Infection. [T|P]

[.Protean.]

Partial Transformation
Rank: "C"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: A basic technique that allows the user to transform a limb or more under the effect of the Protean blood.
Special: ---
Drawback: May be learned 7 times. (2) Legs, (2) Arms, (Torso) Front, (Torso) Back, Head
Description: This technique allows the user to transform a limb using the effects of the Protean blood that resides within them. This is simply a "prerequisite" technique. When first learned the user may only transform 1 limb (arm or a leg). Each time learned the user may transform an additional limb. Example: If the user knows this technique twice, they may transform 1 arm into a Shield, and the other into a Blade, or both into Shields as long as the user knows the required techniques. It takes "C" rank worth of Handseals in time to transform individual limbs.
Limit: Must be a Protean.

0|10 - Right Arm.


He wondered just what he had done to deserve this shame.

Powerful strides were keeping him well out of their range, but he couldn't continue running for long. His feet, bare and sore with blisters, pounded against the earth. Every tree was beginning to look like the last he'd just passed. Every branch was another obstacle in his way. The smell of sulfur burned his nose as they cast their fires into his vicinity, threatening to burn him alive. Ryu swung a hard left as he reached a flowing stream at the end of a long stretch of forest, splashing wildly into the water as he stumbled and caught his balance in just enough time to resume his sprinting. Tired and hungry, he began to wonder when he'd started running in the first place. Two days now...it's been two days.. he remembered. His throat locked up momentarily as he fought for his consciousness. And all because of the blood that was running through his veins.

He hated it all.

For hours - days - he'd been attempting to conjure the same ability that had granted him the relief he'd known when the Shirai Ryu had released him into the wild. Panting heavily, Ryu stopped just shy of another long stretch of forest and took a knee. Where was his innate ability? Why hadn't it protected him now as it had before? He leaned forward and placed his palms against the wet earth, rain piercing the trees and pouring down on him as the bright fires of their hatred consumed creation. He sat on his knees and held his right arm to his chest, his visage barely recognizable at the dirt and soot that covered him. Nearly naked save the ninja uniform he'd stolen from his aggressor's encampment, he concentrated his power until naught but his chakra was recognizable. He had to call on the virus that had been birthed into him. He had to become one with the nature of his calling. He had to-

"ARRAAAGH!!! URGH!!!"

His arm thrust forward as he fell into a fetal position on the ground, the outstretched appendage beginning to bubble and boil. Bone twisted and overlapped painfully. Mangled parts made his appendages unrecognizable. Attempting to control the beast within had become harder since he was fatigued. With great effort, Ryu managed to move back onto his knees and control the transformation of the Protean ability. Stretching forth until it looked momentarily like a weapon of sorts, he thrust it forward against one of the larger trees. The sheer force of the impact was enough to uproot it, the Taijutsu Master's prowess realized as the gargantuan pillar of wood toppled over and crashed heavily into the earth. "What....what is this..?" he bit out, the limb beginning to revert back to its normal shape and size. For that brief instance, it felt natural. Real. As if it had been his true form. A swift jump would allow him to take to the trees, dashing along the branches and vaulting forward further into the darkness.

He had to attempt it again. Gathering chakra about himself, he quelled the resistance of his body. The limb fell to his side as he concentrated, driving every fiber of his being into that single and solitary transformation. Obelisk's form fell still as he crouched along a branch. The sounds of dogs and hunter alike shouted from the nothingness. He closed his eyes slowly, blocking out all else but the virus circling his being. Once again, his physicality began to change. Ryu opened his eyes and watched as the limb mutated, his epidermis stretching to unknown lengths as flesh once more took shape. Hardening over, every muscle seemed to respond to his desire to create the same bludgeoning weapon he had crafted before.

With time, he would even be able to breathe fully as he knelt there. His chest rose and fell as his fingers vanished beneath the flesh of the virus. And within seconds, he had yet again forged a weapon out of his own essence. The weight of it was lifted and dropped down onto the branch, cracking the tree easily. Hardened eyes narrowed. A weapon, perhaps? A curse? He stood to full height, the pain in his feet momentarily subsided. The hard rain beat against his body as he held the grotesque limb up toward his countenance. Perhaps this was the beginning of revenge...

[Draven]

learned

[.Protean.]

Shield
Rank: "B" + "C"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: The Shield is one of the defensive powers that completely nullifies oncoming physical damage that hits the shield.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Picture: Picture Unlike the Armor, Shield completely nullifies damage instead of merely reducing it, though only attacks directed to the front where it makes contact with the shield. When using Shield, a large amount of biomass is shifted to the user's arm, molding it into a nigh-impenetrable black-biomass shield. Unlike Armour, mobility is not hindered when the Shield is active. The Shield blocks all incoming frontal projectile fire, or all-round melee attacks, until its damage threshold is reached, at which point it will shatter and require time to regenerate before it can be deployed again (2 round wait period). When first learned the user is able to withstand 60 Points worth of Damage. Each time learned ("C" Rank Training) the Shield gains strength of additional 40 Points. If the user knows Armour, half of the Armour Hardness is automatically applied to Shield.
Limit: Must be a Protean. Must know Partial Transformation.

0.60

He hugged his knees to his chest as he sat in the hole of a large tree, the rain never letting up as his hunters moved throughout the forest with no regard for time. He'd been here an eternity, his skin pale with the frigid cold that nipped at his every nook and cranny. His breath escaped in soft clouds of mist, sniffling hard before he leaned forward. "Where is he!? We've got the entire forest surrounded! Ain't no gettin' out of here!" he heard. The deep voice was closer than he'd anticipated. He had to move. Gathering what strength he had, the Protean Obelisk crawled from beneath the tree and attempted to rush forward through the night again. He had to claim the darkness, or be put back in chains and forced into slavery. There was no turning back. There was no-

Snikt!

A sudden burst of pain shot up his arm as the glint of silver from the distance pierced his flesh. A sharpened kunai embedded itself, forcing him to stumble forward and onto the earth once again. Through the mud, he rolled and slid against the earth as instinct began to take over. The Protean virus once more rose to the surface as he sat up on his knees, his maw agape as the roar of a lion pierced the distance. Unimaginable, this torment. Natural predatory senses welled up within him, his flesh crawling as something more sinister began to beg for release. They were closing in on him; he could hear their footsteps, animals barking in thirst for the scarlet that now ran down his arm and into his thin clothing. Obelisk merely chuckled as he allowed the rain to blanket him, his locks matted hard to his stone visage.

From what was once his arm, the mutation and biomass began to stretch outward in a square pattern. Attempting to mold it via the control of his inner workings, Ryu grit his teeth hard and shoved forward. His shoulder slammed into his assailant as he approached with blade overhead, the sickening sound of his jaw snapping and resounding as the Protean thrust his weight into him. "I will NOT go back!!" he roared out, his hulking frame bearing down until he'd slammed the man into the earth below. His arm was continuing its rampage, though the pain was sweet to his nerves as they began to manipulate his physicality. It was almost as if his body had prepared itself for this very moment. What was this monstrous gift that began to weigh heavily upon his limb?

Obelisk stood to full height as the biomass finished its transformation. Lifting it toward the dark heavens, he beheld a shield that plastered itself against his arm. Such magnificent craftsmanship from the biomass within, he was able to set it along the ground and witness the size and force of it. The weight forced him to favor his left side as he watched for the sounds of disturbances. But beneath him, the sound of pain and agony was more prevalent. Words were lost on the dead. Blood poured from his mouth in large spurts, Ryu's chest rising and falling as he watched the hunter turned prey. With a mighty lift of the shield, he would attempt to satisfy the call of survival.

The shield crashed into the fallen male's skull with such force that death was instant. Vitae spewed into the air as the massive shield's pressure cracked and broke skull, a Taijutsu Master's level of strength beyond true comprehension as his biceps flexed. He was hungry, thirsty, tired....but still, he pressed onward. The sheer thrill that reminded him of the Shirai Ryu invigorated him. As he backed away from the twitching corpse beneath him, he knelt down and was forced to give pause as the shield melted away and left only his arm again. Flexing it, Obelisk began the task of taking what he could from the lifeless body. A pool of blood soaked the earth. But if he was going to live, sacrifices had to be made.

Obelisk leaned forward and put his mouth to the ground, beginning to slop what he could from the blood of the fallen. He drank deep, his eyes fluttering to a close as he pondered on the shield technique at hand. There was perfection to be had in its craft..

[.Protean.]

? - 60

Obelisk stood to full height as he wiped his mouth with an arm, the rest of his "feast" washed away beneath the rain as his hand gripped the ankle of his kill. Like a victorious trophy, he hoisted it over his shoulder and spun until he could throw the corpse into the same tree he'd crawled from under. But this was only the beginning of his journey. As the body was flung backward and into the tree, he lunged forward with that same arm that had once been a fortress of impregnable proportion. Ryu called out to the virus again. Its potency began to take effect almost immediately. Though he could not get quite the same result, there was something akin that was manifesting from within. His muscles began to twitch before exploding into the biomass yet again. He'd succumbed to the joyful torture it brought him. One would have even said that he had begun to take pleasure in it.

The mass of flesh overlapped time and again as Obelisk grunted, shifting his weight until the shield of hardened integrity bulked and popped into existence. Its size was much smaller than before, though the strength of its resolve was felt; he slammed it into the corpse, watching it snap bark like twigs as he shoved it into the hole he had crawled out of. "ARGH!!!" he roared, that same animal instinct kicking in. Immediately, he applied chakra to his feet and spun on a heel. They were close. Close enough for him to begin to smell the tension. Launching himself upward, Obelisk took toward the nothingness and knelt down as the drenched hunters gathered. It was far too dark for him to see them, recognize them. Keeping his balance had become a hard task. Biting his lower lip, his knees felt the added weight of his shield as his free arm reached over to help keep its weight from knocking him over.

"Where is he!? I want this done. NOW!! We weren't sent out here to do all this shit!"

The words had come from a veiled figure, obsidian cloaking him. Another voice, calm and casual, allowed a puff of cigarette smoke to waft from his lips before he spoke. "Relax. We've got all night. Besides, we're not around to kill him. We're here for his services. Did you bring the suit?" he asked. Once more, the voice from before spoke. "Of course I did! The Boss wanted him to have it, remember? Somethin' about it being made just for him. The fuck is that supposed to mean, huh!? I just want my ryo!" Obelisk's eyes narrowed. They had been hunting him for sport. Every muscle in him ached, the shield once again releasing itself as the biomass lifted. Ryu lifted his palm toward his countenance, wiping it quickly before strengthening his resolve. He had to escape their watchful eye. But before that, he would gather what he could.

Yet again, he forced himself to concentrate. The chakra from within rose from the depths of his stomach, building up around his appendage and seemingly lining his body with a comforting armor of sorts. Without fail, he attempted to bring the biomass back into creation. He could only wonder just where it came from; a leap backward would allow him to escape the earshot of the hunters, his teeth almost grinding one upon the other as he tried to stop the growl of pain. His shield was still uncontrollable, its mass now threatening to take the entire right side of his form. Panting heavily, he slipped backward and fell against a multitude of trees. Quickly, he gathered the instinct to thrust his shielded side toward the earth. Thankfully, years of Taijutsu training had allowed him to suffer the dangers of bodily harm. He braced himself for impact.

Crash!

His form slammed into the ground as the shield finished hardening, its jet black appearance akin to total darkness beneath him as his body recoiled and bounced, unharmed, into the mud. But it was hard to maneuver. Propping himself up by a knee, he pulled backward until the groan of his throat slipped from between his lips; the shield rose, nearly falling backward and on top of the rest of his frame. Slowly but surely, it relinquished its hold upon his body and began to settle back into just another strengthened arm. He still had much to learn. Staggering to his feet, Obelisk moved into the distance as the sounds of uproar came from behind. The weight of the shield still lingered, every inch of him burning with the desire to be free from this forest prison. Still, there was a grim satisfaction.

They'd discovered the dead body.

[Captain M]

20/60

[.Protean.]

20.60

He'd gathered his wits about him and survived the night.

And for now, they had withdrawn. The early morning began to set in as he pulled himself to stand from a bed of wood, smoke rising into the air from a campfire he'd managed to create for himself. As Obelisk concentrated his efforts toward his left hand again, he would immediately begin his ascent into learning that of the Protean ability. Multiple visions had come to him in the night. And as such, there was little time for him to concentrate on else but the mastery of the shield technique. With it at his disposal, he would at least have a way to defend himself. He stretched quite a bit as he wearily made his way further into the forestry. The kill he'd registered had also yielded another set of clothes, but it would do little to deter the shield that he'd form upon his left arm. Interesting, how it managed to keep its form and depth even with fabric along his appendage.

Ryu focused once more as he ambled forward, a tree within the distance the intended target as he focused the viral infection toward the arms that he had learned to manipulate only a time ago. With little concentration, he was able to shift the biomass into his limbs and stretch them outward in an external fashion. Obelisk began to imagine the shield again, this time making it much larger than his own form. The pain had subsided only after his muscle and bone began to twist and pop, every vein of his form lending itself to the formation of the shield. It began to grow in a vertical fashion. Such mastery with it, in fact, that he felt that he could begin to do this process with both arms. Obelisk allowed his concentration to linger upon his left arm just as much as the right. But for now, he thought, one complete shield was better than two partial.

His feet began to pound along the ground as he allowed his shoulder to jut forward. The shield began its manipulation, increasing density with every meter that he would allow himself to make use of. The sleep he'd gotten last night had somehow fueled him. No longer weary in the least, the Taijutsu Master's prowess that he had developed had served him well. Obelisk was akin to a locomotive as his breath came in grunts, the massive shield finalizing its composition only moments before he arrived at his intended destination. With everything he had in him, the Protean bit his lower lip as the shield slammed into the tree. Bark was sent flying as the spikes dug into its base, Obelisk's form stopping only short of the proximity betwixt himself and the tree.

He was able to shove his weight forward, even gaining small momentum as his feet kept pushing into the earth. Mud was pushed aside as the shield bore into the tree, keeping its protection of his flesh as the splinters and wood threatened to pierce him and dig into his epidermis. With his head lowered, the shield was more than enough to carry defense against his abdomen. Pain shot through his left side, however, his right arm's forearm placed against the threshold of the shield as he used it to carry the rest of his offensive maneuver with the originally defensive shield. Ryu quickly stepped backward after he could go no further, the longevity of the shield having increased as he vaulted backward and skidded along the earth. Before it was all said and done, he would ensure that this particular tree would yield to the fortification of his strength.

[.Protean.]

?.60

With his strength fortified, Obelisk once more stood to full height and allowed his hulking frame to concentrate on the Protean shield. He had been hunter, and now he was hunted. But with this Protean flesh that he now possessed, perhaps there would be a change in his position. He thought about the opportunity that presented itself with his defensive maneuver, allowing his left arm to stretch to a perfectly 90 degree angle before him. Allowing his right foot to rise and settle back onto the sole, he braced himself for another attempt as the tree before him began its teeter totter. The leaves that broke out from his last attempt rained out all around him as he took a deep breath. Lungs full, he expelled carbon dioxide and began to shape the shield once again within his mind. It was the only weapon that he knew now. The only ability that he possessed outside of divine swordsmanship.

But with no true strength to take up the blade until he'd found a proper substitute for an instrument of destruction, Obelisk would use this to survive the aggressor's attack. Once more, he picked up speed. The power of a train behind his back, the winds whipped about as his zealous spirit began to rise. His forearm was the first to be manipulated in the process. Every inch of his skin began to morph and twist, taking on the blackened plague-like appearance that he was becoming accustomed to. He thought of the weapons of man, and how they could fit themselves to be tools of destruction. This, however, was a new edifice of strength all its own. He had been chosen for a higher calling, something that would not linger on kunai or shuriken. Nay, this was altogether the formation of man and weapon living in a perfect harmony.

Running into the tree again, the shield was beginning to form much faster. He didn't take as long to adjust to the pain, its horizontal stretch covering over half of his abdomen as he crouched down slightly but allowed the bend in his knees to merely accentuate the speed at which he would make his thrust. As the power of his shield manifest once more, Obelisk rammed himself square into the tree with the force of a bullet piercing a wall. The explosion itself resounded for what appeared to be meters. Echoing out and into the distance, even his grunt of offense could be heard as he dug into the tree. The single attempt had caused even the base of the bark to tear apart, splitting into the air and causing a rain of wood around his form. Truly, he was growing into a magnificence that only he could have fathomed. He could only wonder if there were others like him.

With little to no hesitation, he pulled the shield away from the tree and noticed that even more spikes had begun to grow across it. It looked far more imposing than before, this technique his alone to manipulate and use to his advantage. As his form lifted into the air with a backwards jump, the shield would once more revert into nothing more than a human arm. Still, he'd persevere and create it one more time as he began his mad dash forward. He was akin to a blur, the pain of his attempts causing his inner psyche to writhe with the desire to complete the task ahead of him. His locks whipped about violently as he pushed his left side forward, keeping his right tucked low into the shield as it yet again slammed into the tree.

Crack!

The entirety of his form was able to plow into the gargantuan target again, his eyes shut tight as the bark exploded into fragments. It was a testament to his power that every muscle ached, though this was naught but the anticipation of victory against an inanimate object. If he could do this to such a large tree, then he could only wonder how this would translate against an opponent of size. His hunters would soon know the power of the virus that spread throughout his being.

[Captain M]

40/60

[.Protean.]

?.60

It was easy to recognize that he was becoming stronger. Standing and allowing the outstretched left arm of his to rejuvenate itself against time, Obelisk concentrated his efforts into allowing his right arm to begin its own transformation. There was little to no effort in the alternate side of his being. With such being noted, he set into allowing the flesh of his biceps to twist and create an alternate shield should he have needed it for that particular moment. How he would defend against a strike coming from all directions was lost on him, though quickly it dawned on the Protean that there would be strength in combining both of his partial shields into a whole. For now, the tree before him would lean and remain at an angle; it was perfect for his next attempt, the meager strength in his right side advancing until it could perfectly parallel the left.

Obelisk concentrated his chakra, allowing it to swirl and bend to his will. Amazing how it felt, the once docile and dormant power rising to match the prowess that he had birthed with his last few attempts. Obelisk's arm moved in a circle as he bended it along the joint, circling few times before shooting forward. He'd created enough distance to allow his right side to begin its partial transformation. Firstly focusing on the maneuver of simply having the biomass shift and lend itself to the power of his defense, he could feel his skin hardening as his muscles followed suit. A light jog was maintained, multiple functions at the same time becoming a constant variable in time with his attempts at taking down the massive object that rocked before him. He was able to craft the shield in no less than a few seconds, his chakra lacing his newly gained viral infection.

With no amount of hesitation, he was able to conjure the shield and build upon its foundation as spikes shot outward from the edges of it. Gloriously, almost to perfection, Ryu maintained his jog and then broke out into a full dash. The sound of his feet hitting the ground were akin to thunderous claps; his agility had been noted in his days as a Shirai Ryu. Though the equipment was now lost on him, he had gained something that appeared to be more sinister...more vile against his adversaries. Barreling down and allowing his form to create its center of balance again, the tall Obelisk was closing the gap rather quickly as the tree began to lean even more. He was unsettling the gaia below him as emerald blades tore out from the terra. Hoisting himself up at the final moment, he slammed his form into the tree.

But this time would be different. He wouldn't yield on allowing his entire body to jump forward. Much like a bullet that would ricochet from the earth, Obelisk barreled into the tree and took the entirety of his weight into account as he lifted. The tree easily uprooted as the final roots broke free, his pained cry of success followed by a mighty roar that vibrated seemingly every inch of the Protean shield. His right shoulder tore through the base of the tree as it began to fall into the distance, the tall pillar of wood breaking apart at random points and splitting off from his immobile practice dummy. Finally, with a crash that spoke of pain and endurance, Obelisk was able to roll forward and against the bark just as the tree slammed into the ground. His shield maintained its strength the entire way as he used the momentum.

Standing to full height, he quickly allowed his right arm to push forward as he crouched down upon a knee. The shield was completely unharmed, warping and twisting still as the virus took into account the host that it had attached itself to. Obelisk merely took a deep breath as narrowed eyes prevailed - already, he was more than capable of attacking the next target in front of him. Imagining a myriad of opponents, the very adrenaline that coursed his veins would not yet him rest yet.

[.Protean.]

?.60

"What the hell did this..?"

Obelisk had heard the voice from behind him, spinning toward the distance and allowing his senses to set themselves onto the familiar face that had plagued him through the night. It was one of the hunters he'd seen from before, the twisted look on his visage as vile as he had remembered. Something predatory began to seep from Obelisk's very psyche as the realization spread across the eyes of his new target. The man's eyes traveled toward the expanse of shield that stretched out from his shoulder like the plague that it was, his eyes widening in response as he began to take simple steps backward. "M...Monster.." he murmured. It was a name that Obelisk had become used to since the moment he'd allowed himself to be taken by the Protean virus. What better way to confirm such a call than to allow himself the opportunity to battle his ghosts.

A kunai shot forward as his attacker jumped backward. Spinning through the air with expert resolve, there was little to no avoiding such speed - though Obelisk had now formed a weapon that would shrug off such a tactic. The metal object bounced harmlessly against his shield as he set himself into a shouldered stance, the tension palpable in the air as his adversary landed meters away. "What the..?" he questioned, that look of realization descending into pure fear as the Protean stepped forward on his left foot. This would set him out into an ultimate dash forward, the earth splitting apart as the sound of his battle cry shook his unknowing opponent to the soles of his feet. Obelisk's spikes jut forward with violent position as the man turned and began to rush in the opposite direction. An oddity that he would do so, last night's hunt one of pleasure and joy at the prospect of a weakened target exposed to the elements.

The Protean chased him, never allowing his form to be deterred as he began to turn left and right as his opponent thought to zigzag in his evasion. No matter the distance, the shield held itself against objects that were thrust backward at him. Even shuriken, thrown with diagonal proportion, simply clanged off of the reinforced shield that Obelisk had crafted upon his right arm. It tore through gates and trees alike, every fallen object bowled over and supporting the strength of the Taijutsu Master as he used his defensive inventory to gain the edge. As the error of his ways began to enlighten him, his aggressor jumped forward one last time and threw an explosive tag toward the shield itself. It strapped itself to his shield before the handseal was created, the entire area exploding into a massive smog that filled into the air. Flames burst out from the point of impact.

....And yet, Obelisk had somehow managed to survive it. His form was dumped along the ground as he rolled, coughing and sputtering as he forced himself to maintain cognizance of the situation. Already, however, the shield was beginning to manifest itself again. He stood shakily and pushed his arms forward - both of them. He could feel the biomass ripping out from his belly, twisting upward like spiraling veins and beginning to form the shield yet again and afront his person. Obelisk's entire countenance was hidden behind the massive tower of a viral infection as he yet again prepared himself. "Mercy!" he heard from afront the shield, his opponent crawling backward as he held up a katana at the fortified structure before him. But Obelisk could hear only the anticipation of the kill. The Shirai Ryu had not totally left him, it seemed.

There was little time to process the speed of the Taijutsu Master as he rushed forward now, bringing himself to close the gap much faster than previous attempts. Through the smog he rushed, coming through it like a train as his form slammed into the feet of his opponent. The nasty sound of bones breaking and flesh being pierced signified the bones of his legs snapping out and through his thighs, immediately - instantly - killing the quarry as he rushed him into the nearest tree. Vitae scattered as Obelisk thrust himself fully into the tree, tearing limb halfway from joint as he grunted hard and basked in the blood that surely showered him. Only when the lifeless form's arms dropped did he back away, the Protean infection withdrawing so that he might look upon the results.

And what was this? A chest to his right...?

[Draven]

+20 learned

[.Protean.]

Partial Transformation
Rank: "C"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: A basic technique that allows the user to transform a limb or more under the effect of the Protean blood.
Special: ---
Drawback: May be learned 7 times. (2) Legs, (2) Arms, (Torso) Front, (Torso) Back, Head
Description: This technique allows the user to transform a limb using the effects of the Protean blood that resides within them. This is simply a "prerequisite" technique. When first learned the user may only transform 1 limb (arm or a leg). Each time learned the user may transform an additional limb. Example: If the user knows this technique twice, they may transform 1 arm into a Shield, and the other into a Blade, or both into Shields as long as the user knows the required techniques. It takes "C" rank worth of Handseals in time to transform individual limbs.
Limit: Must be a Protean.

0.10 - Right Leg

He had mastered the art of the shield, but yet there was still completion to be had.

With concentration, he was able to manipulate the flesh of both of his arms and turn them into devastating weapons. But what about other appendages? As he trekked forward toward the chest that had been left, his right arm broke the lock with a thrust of his elbow. The instruments that he had formerly used were inside, and thus he would equip them to his person with the best of his ability. But there was little time to waste. He moved into the distance and found himself standing near the edge of the forest. Concentrating his Protean ability toward his right leg, Obelisk pushed the infection to new heights. Spreading thoroughly through the appendage was the goal. Never before had he felt such an invigorating effect, the flesh once more taking shape and twisting to his will's command.

He was able to manipulate the strength of the leg, lifting it toward the air and giving swift kick that was accentuated by the transformation of the muscle within. Much stronger than before - faster even - he spun in a full circle before allowing the leg to drop down to the earth. His hands rose before him as he took up a boxing stance, shuffling the appendages beneath him as his chakra swirled and dived downward toward the limb. He could feel it getting stronger as time passed, the infection birthing into him a whole plethora of abilities that he would explore with time. Ryu jumped backward from that same foot. Yet again, the twist and tug of the Protean virus enhanced his ability and allowed him to soar through the air before he landed on that same leg and dropped it down to the earth.

However, it appeared that he could only focus on that single leg. His left was left unaffected, using it as a catalyst to lift the right leg back into the air with a maneuver of sorts that thrust his foot forward. He spun upon the ball of his left foot, concentrating the virus so that it might spread evenly from the sole of his feet to the calf muscles. A slight grunt of pain left his lips as he knelt down upon his knee, grabbing at the muscle and groaning in its extension. Still, he would not stop until it was brought to fruition that another limb had been claimed by the virus. He stood to full height and pushed the infection forward yet again. It traveled through his arms and thereafter immediately rippled downward from his torso. As he gained a running start, his chakra pulled from the overall physicality of his being and pushed square into his leg.

Obelisk was able to jump farther for just that one moment, the vault in his legs as his knees bent sending him at a diagonal angle toward the plain that held no trees. Along the ground would he run, the right leg showing no sign of fatigue as the Protean ability willed itself through the joint of his leg. It was as if he was on a crutch, though only by the strength of a leg that was undamaged. He had to push the ability further. Continuing his pace, he would only slow when he felt that the transformation had become complete in his leg. A slight hop from his left, and he was even able to whip the right leg across open air with the speed of a throwing item. Landing upon that same right foot, he balanced all of his weight onto it. The success of his Protean shift was coming to light. At full height, he allowed his hands to prop against his hips as he stretched backward.

He was even able to manipulate the overall appearance of the leg, though he could make out no distinct function for doing such a thing. He lifted it into the air and stood back upon his left foot, leaving it in a straight thrust kick as the viral infection clearly spread across his ankles. Momentarily, veins and the like of biomass crossed the threshold of his external appearance. Slowly but surely, he willed it downward until the grotesque visual was naught but blurs that lined his appendage. He'd settle his foot onto the earth again, shuffling his feet to ensure that he was no longer hindered. Now if only he could replicate such an effect with the left leg to great result.

[Draven]

+10

[.Protean.]

Partial Transformation
Rank: "C"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: A basic technique that allows the user to transform a limb or more under the effect of the Protean blood.
Special: ---
Drawback: May be learned 7 times. (2) Legs, (2) Arms, (Torso) Front, (Torso) Back, Head
Description: This technique allows the user to transform a limb using the effects of the Protean blood that resides within them. This is simply a "prerequisite" technique. When first learned the user may only transform 1 limb (arm or a leg). Each time learned the user may transform an additional limb. Example: If the user knows this technique twice, they may transform 1 arm into a Shield, and the other into a Blade, or both into Shields as long as the user knows the required techniques. It takes "C" rank worth of Handseals in time to transform individual limbs.
Limit: Must be a Protean.

0.10 - Left Leg

So he'd mastered yet another aspect of his Protean lineage.

With the right leg complete, the left leg would have to follow. Obelisk made his way toward the lowest point of the plain that he had now traversed quite easily, utilizing the power of the infection to fuel his right leg as he would see fit. This time, however, he would attempt a completely new maneuver that would make use of the left leg. He closed his eyes and began to concentrate the power of the Infection, his Protean ability pushing biomass from the center of his gullet toward the left leg. It was an easy transition, mirroring the power of his right appendage and the muscles therein. His left leg could already feel the improvement, the muscle within absorbing the power of the infection and using it to grant him leverage.

With this transformation alone, Obelisk was able to vault forward with a simple maneuver of his left leg. The quadriceps responded nicely to the propulsion of his Protean bloodlimit, allowing him due diligence as he performed a flip of sorts before landing on that same leg. He intentionally allowed his weight to push onto it. Through sheer determination, the pain that lingered momentarily subsided and was replaced by the adrenaline given by his body combined with the biomass. Ryu stood to full height and brought that same leg into the air. The heel was sent rushing downward into the earth, his Protean fusion shifting only once to the right leg. He was able to create an aerial axe kick of sorts, bringing the weight of his appendage down until it tore the earth apart from where his foot would make its impact.

Astonishing, how his strength seemed to magnify through the concentrated power of a virus that had been dormant for so long. With grace, Obelisk was able to maneuver himself through various obstacles as he reached the edge of the forest once more. Using his left leg alone, the vault from tree branch to tree branch was used without the true need to siphon chakra along his person. It was as if the biomass was an extension of cushion, giving him the relaxation of mind to free himself from the bonds of exertion. He could travel to varying lengths and speed, shifting his viral limits when necessary. Finally, Obelisk divided his Biomass's production toward his left leg once more. A swirl of scarlet and obsidian covered the appendage for a moment before he lunged forward, diving down and turning another flip.

He landed upon his left leg after multiple meters of descending, his arms lifted toward the air as all of that weight came downward upon that same appendage. He grunted hard as his eyes narrowed, the focal point of his being concentrated solely on the action of supporting himself off of the transformation of his leg. It twisted internally until its function came to a halt; he'd fully maneuvered the Protean effect toward his heel, digging it down and into the earth again as he stood to full height. That same kick of sorts was delivered as he brought his arms afront his abdomen, honing the strength and accuracy of his kick with that lone foot. As he turned upon the ball of his right foot, he would shoot that left foot forward. The Biomass of his person amplified the sheer power of his attempt, the crack of bark exploding outward as his foot remained against the tree.

Slowly lowering his foot, he allowed it to the touch the earth before he bounced from side to side. What was there left for him to make transformation of? Every limb had been properly tested, though his abdomen remained relatively untouched by the biomass. As he concentrated power evenly between his legs, he could only wonder just what opportunity there was in training his torso in its Protean limits next.

[Draven]

+10

[.Protean.]

-- exit.