Affinity #35 - Aizen's "B!tc#es"

Aizen has a buncha subordinates, but there are two in particular that are devoted to him despite his incarceration - Loly & Menoly. These two are like sisters - have names that sound similar, their mask fragments are on opposite eyes, and are always seen together either garnering the attention of their Lord or plotting to embarrass Orihime. To me, they don't play much of a pivotal role. They are both active and alive in the current story arc, but will they really contribute? Will they truly showcase their Resurrecion or will they succumb to just being foot soldiers? In my personal preference, Loly and Menoly probably will be cast aside and will partake in the war, even if not given a lengthy role. On a side note, I think Loly is pretty damn hot - her figure, her attire, and more importantly - her BEEWBS. Menoly is okay, but Loly shows more skin and that counts people - THAT COUNTS (lol). Overall, these two are what I'd like to call Aizen's B!tc#es - always agreeing over everything and not once saying otherwise.

I hope you enjoyed this week's Affinity. Affinities every Tuesday posted between 8am-11:59pm. Until then, you all stay classy now.

Bleach Fantasy Round 6: Baraggan Louisenbairn vs. Emperor Mateus of Palamecia (Emperor vs. Emperor)

VS.

The first word that comes to mind when it comes to these antagonists is : Kingly. These two Emperors are the respective rulers of the Palamecia Empire & Hueco Mundo. With their superiro status as Kingly figures, these two have imprinted fear on those who oppose them. Mateus is the Antagonist of FF II and Baraggan is the 2nd Espada under the tutelage of Aizen Sousuke. So who's the better Emperor? Without further ado, let us compare these two in the following: Backstory/Role in Story, Powers/Abilities, and the Final Verdict by MechG2994 (every Monday). FF currently leads 3-2 against Bleach (As of April 25th). NOTE: MechG2994's portion is noted in Purple and Stillmattic's in Blue. The Headers are noted in Yellow.

Backstory/Role in Story (Baraggan Louisenbairn)

Baraggan, prior to being the 2nd Espada under Aizen Sousuke, was the respectable ruler of Hueco Mundo. Bored with his rule, he was about to have his own Army fight one another just for his entertainment and to fill in time. However, everything changed when Aizen, Gin, & Kaname entered Hueco Mundo, cut down one of Baraggan's men, and introduced Kyoka Suigetsu. With Aizen's Zanpaktou, he & his men swiftly cut down Baraggan's army prior to meeting one-on-one with Baraggan ~ leaving Baraggan's empire to crumble right before his eyes. Given the opportunity for more power, Baraggan believed Aizen's words to be comedic as Baraggan stated that there's no higher power other than Baraggan's rule itself. It wouldn't be long before Baraggan was under Aizen's tutelage as the 2nd Espada.

Baraggan was first introduced at the Espada meeting where the Intruders (Ichigi, Uryu, & Chad) first entered Hueco Mundo. Baraggan believed they weren't a threat, but Aizen says otherwise as he explicates that they entered Hueco Mundo to save Orihime Inoue and that the Intruders challenged the Gotei 13 and were on par with Captain-class Shinigami. As soon as the 9th Espada died by the hands of Rukia Kuchiki, Baraggan commented that the fool died too young. However, Baraggan doesn't play much of a pivotal role until he, Harribel, & Starrk were the last remaining Espada in the Fake Karakura Town Arc. As Aizen was trapped by Captain Yamamoto's flames, Baraggan assumed command as his temporary replacement and watched as his Fraccion fought and fell one-by-one by the Gotei 13. This angered Baraggan as he had no choice but to do everything himself ~ challenged the 2nd Division: Sui-Feng & Omaeda. He seems to have had the upper hand, explaining that each Espada controlled an aspect of Death and his was Age. Everything ages and begins to wither ~ that was Baraggan's aspect of death and, representing his Aspect, released his Resurrecion ~ a Black Skull figure cloaked in Black. However, after the Visored entered the fray ~ it seems as if the King of Hueco Mundo found his match as he died by his own power. Hachigen, planting the disintegrating hand inside Baraggan, began to wither away by his own power. Before his impending death, he tried one last attempt to attack Aizen, but failed as Baraggan's blade decayed before it got the chance to reach him. Even in death, the King himself, as explained by Hachigen, was afraid of aging and wanting to keep death at bay.

Powers/Abilities (Baraggan Louisenbairn) 

Being the 2nd Espada under Aizen's army & former King, Baraggan possesses an enormous amount of Spiritual Power and is proficient in Sonido usage. Like I said above, each Espada represents an Aspect of Death. Baraggan represents the Aspect of Aging/Time and, just like his ability states, he was able to deteriorate anything that he touches and comes in contact with: Aging Sui-feng's bones just by tapping her shoulder and the surrounding buildings crumbling just from standing on top of the roof. In his Resurrecion form (Arrogante), his power is amplified as he is more durable, everything around him withers away, and he wields a Double-bladed Axe. It's safe to say that wherever he stands or breathes - anything decays. 

Backstory/Role in Story (Emperor Mateus of Palamecia)

To be honest, the backstory of Mateus’ upbringing has been debated as canon or non-canon to the official FFII story arc, but it’ll deserve honorable mention to fill the backstory portion. According to legends, the Palamecian emperors are cursed with a long line of demonic influences as a result of the world seeking revenge. Prior to ascending to the throne as the next emperor, Mateus continued that trend, making a pact with Satan himself to help him become more powerful and possess the ability to summon demonic forces from Hell into the mortal realm. In his first act ascending to the throne as the next Emperor of Palamecia, Mateus exiled his mother to the deserts as she was trying to attempt to break the long cycle of demons controlling previous emperors by restoring Mateus’ sanity.

Emperor Mateus begins his world domination by unleashing the demonic forces to attack the kingdoms of Fynn, Kashuan, and Deist, the notable kingdoms a part as a resistance to bring down the perennial power of the Palamecian Empire. Since the kingdom of Deist, was home to the Dragoons and they are dependent on the wyvern population, Mateus poison’s the wyvern’s water supplies, almost putting the wyvern to extinction and leaving the Dragoons demoralized. After that event, the Wild Rose Rebellion was formed by the Kashuan Kingdom and the Fynn Kingdom, but eventually Fynn fell under Palamecia’s hands and Mateus begins his construction of the Dreadnought airship, capturing Princess Hilda and holding her up as a prize for a tournament in which Wild Rose member, Firion and his group participated in. Eventually Firion and the Wild Rose freed the Wynn Kingdom from Mateus’ hands as well as destroying the Dreadnought, leading to Mateus to summon a cyclone to destroy nearby towns. The Wild Rose rebels confronted Mateus in the heart of the cyclone and eventually kill him. However, Mateus used his death as means to enter the realm of Hell, defeating Satan for control and returning to the mortal realm in a more demonic form, and bringing the Hell capital of Pandaemonium to the mortal world’s surface. Firion and the other members confront Mateus yet again in his new form and they kill him once again, but again, Mateus wouldn’t go away as his imperial soul divided into two to represent rule over Heaven and Hell and it took Firion and his party to attack him on two fronts in both Afterlives to finally kill him off for good.

Powers/Ailities (Emperor Mateus of Palamecia)

To begin with, Mateus is incredibly powerful with or without the demonic powers. Aside from his ability to summon a devastating cyclone to destroy towns, he can cast a lot of heavy lightning-elemental magic spells and can lift his own castle and turn it into a mobile fortress. As mentioned, he was strong enough to defeat Satan for control over Pandaemonium and Hell itself and by assuming control of Hell, he also controls Heaven for some reason. In his Hellish, demonic form, as Emperor of Hell, Mateus learns some even powerful spells, able to drain an opponent’s lifeforce and use it to replenish his strength, and is almost invincible against physical attacks and as mentioned, he brought Pandaemonium to the surface of the mortal realm and can use demonic forces as his pawns before the battle actually goes to him, he can also summon the demonic forces in his mortal form due to the pact with Satan. In his heavenly form, as Emperor of Heaven, Mateus is more powerful considering he can possess the ability to resurrect a whole population of souls of dead people to fight on his side and he can cast a handful of devastating light/dark magic spells.

Verdict (by MechG2994)

And the winner is...

What a way to end the April portion of BF! These two indicate that you should respect their authority and if you don’t, you will feel their wrath. After carefully evaluating these two, it was a mixed bag for me at first, but in terms of story and abilities, and overall ambition, I have to say that Emperor Mateus wins this matchup. It’s obvious that Baraggan has been King of Hueco Mundo for quite some time and Mateus is just starting up his campaign; as the old saying goes: out with the old, in with the new. The fact that Baraggan used his own army to kill each other to satisfy his entertainment value speaks volume about his current reign, while Mateus, he wasn’t just ambitious to conquer the whole world, but he wanted to conquer the realms of Heaven and Hell, he could conquer the entire cosmos if he wanted to. Another thing is that Baraggan had to play 2^nd fiddle with Aizen after Aizen impressed him with his ability to single-handedly killing off his army and crushing his Empire in Hueco Mundo, Mateus on the other hand, wouldn’t want to play 2^nd fiddle with anyone. He wants to be the man, the ultimate authority, and that’s why he took out Satan for control of Hell and found a way to control Heaven. Not to mention, it took three fronts for Mateus to be defeated by Firion and his party: in the mortal world, in Hell, and in Heaven, for Baraggan, just one front as displayed in his defeat during the battle of the fake Karakura Town and that is why Mateus is the victor.

So who do you think won? Baraggan Louisenbairn from Bleach or Emperor Mateus of Palamecia from Final Fantasy II? Comment below and let us know. Look forward to Bleach Fantasy posts every Monday & Friday (unless specified) around 8am-11:59pm. As always, you all stay classy now. FF currently leads 4-2 against Bleach (As of Today ~ April 28). 

Throwback #37 - The Transformation of Nel

    I do apologize for posting a day late, but here it is - the 37th Throwback (We're almost at 40!). When Team Ichigo first entered Hueco Mundo, they stumbled upon Nel & her Fraccion. It wouldn't be lontg before Nel takes a liking to Ichigo, unbeknown that Nel is or was a former Espada. Her power, as shown in the video, is realized when Ichigo was on the verge of death. Nel's childlike self is then suddenly transformed into a gorgeous, sexy, and big BEEWBED woman (who still retains the behavior of a child). As a token of her appreciation for Ichigo, she fights the 5th Espada, Nnoitra, and manages to inflict some damage on him before reverting back to her child form. Nel is in the Wandenreich war, but it's unknown whether she'll become an Adult again (with dem BEEWBS) or if she'll just watch from the sidelines.

I hope you enjoyed today's (sorry for being late) Throwback. Until them, you all stay classy now and look forward to Monday's Bleach Fantasy Post (Judged by MechG2994 on Mondays & Stillmattic on Fridays). Bleach Fantasy post down below. 

Bleach Fantasy Round 5: Yoruichi Shihoin vs. Tifa Lockhart (Big BEEWBED Cat Fight!)

VS.

One kicks and one punches. These two feisty badass women you don't wanna F with because they can kick your @$$ with their experienced hand-to-hand combat. I'd sh!t my pants if I saw these two - I'd be in awe of their beauty and fearful that could just as well pummel me to the ground. Without further ado, let's end Friday right with Bleach's Yoruichi Shihoin and Final Fantasy VII's Tifa Lockhart. The following will be compared: Backstory/Role in Story, Powers/Abilities, & The Final Verdict (by yours truly today). Final Fantasy & Bleach are currently tied 2-2 (as of April 21st) . Stillmattic's Portions are noted in Blue and MechG2994's in Purple. Headings will be Yellow.

Backstory/Role in Story (Yoruichi Shihoin)

Yoruichi was born as a princess of the Shihoin Noble family and is childhood friends with Kisuke Urahara & Tessai, where they played at the Sokyoku Hill Training Space (which was built by Kisuke Urahara). It would be later where took up the responsibility as Captain of the 2nd Division (Stealth Force) and took on her role as the 22nd Princess - becoming the first Princess of the Shihoin Household. When Kisuke was promoted to be 12th Division Captain & was solely responsible for the Visored's birth. Yoruichi alone was the one who helped aid Kisuke & Tessai from receiving punishment. Together, the three were banished to the Living world where they hid in secrecy as to escape persecution while trying to conceal the whereabouts of the Hogyoku. During her tenor as Captain of the 2nd division, she often joked about with a much younger and childish Byakuya Kuchiki, offering to play wit him for her amusement much to Byakuya's annoyance. From her tenor as Captain & Princess to present day, she has a playful, rebellious, & witty side to her. 

Yoruichi first appeared in her cat form to Kisuke Urahara. She assists Team Ichigo in rescuing Rukia, where she informs Ichigo's group on the dangers of the Gotei 13 as well as train them to the best of their abilities. She eventually reveals herself to Ichigo as to who he is and who Kisuke Urahara is and steps in, later, to save Ichigo from acting irrationally against Byakuya Kuchiki. She is seen later fighting against the new 2nd Division Captain and her former bodyguard, Sui-Feng Yoruichi won and showcased her usage and imperfect form of Shunko. Convincing Sui-Feng otherwise, the two 2nd Division Stealth Force Captains of the New & Old tried to thwart Aizen's defection plan only later to see that it was too late to save Aizen. Later on, Yoruichi & Kisuke aid in stopping Yammy's rampage and way later is seen alongside Kisuke & Isshin in stopping Aizen, only later to lose to him with Ichigo being the key to victory. During the Fullbringer Arc, Ichigo notices that part of Yoruichi's Reiatsu in imbedded within him in reassurance of Ichigo's retrieval of Shinigami powers.

Powers/Abilities (Yoruichi Shihoin)

Yoruichi, being the former 2nd Division Captain, is highly proficient in Shunpo, Infiltration, & Hand-to-Hand combat. In the earlier part of the series, she is also seen transforming from her cat-like form to her usual self. As a Shinigami, she is also capable of using Kido, but it's unaware of her Zanpaktou's abilities. Not much about her is clear, but we do know is that she is a master at Hand-to-Hand & Shunpo - two quality traits needed for the 2nd Division Captain. The source of her power comes from Shunko, exerting and amplifying everything - Hand-to-Hand Combating & Kido. 

Backstory/Role in Story (Tifa Lockhart)
Tifa was born in the small town of Nibelheim and was a childhood friend and next door neighbor to Cloud. Although they were not “friends” “friends” early on in their lives, the first time they actually start becoming close was when Tifa’s mother died, leading her to believe that her mom went to venture onto Mt. Nibel. So Tifa went to Mt. Nibel while Cloud followed suit, but the two fell off a bridge, leaving Tifa injured and causing her father to somewhat isolate her from Cloud. In a part to represent Tifa’s “knight and shining armor”, Cloud had aspirations to join the ranks of SOLDIER and he told her that exact plan on top of the water tower in the town and promised he’d be there for her to protect her. Fast forward to the setting of Crisis Core, Tifa becomes a tour guide for Nibelheim as well as being a martial artist, having learned a whole variety of fighting styles. When Cloud returned to Nibelheim along with Zack and Sephiroth, he wasn’t a SOLDIER member, but just a lowly Shinra infantryman, causing him to hide his face in shame so Tifa won’t recognize him. While on the tour to a Mako Reactor in Mt. Nibel, Tifa was attacked by a monster and Cloud, still disguising himself, came up to save her. While inside the reactor, during the time Sephiroth went mad, Tifa found her father dead on Sephy’s hands, giving her intense hate for Shinra and SOLDIER. Tifa attempted to challenge Sephy, but she was handled easily and sustained major injuries and her martial arts master, Zangan took her to Midgar for treatment.

Tifa is a member of the rebellious group, AVALANCHE lead by Barret and is an owner/bartender of the bar, 7^th Heaven, which also happens to contain a secret hideout where AVALANCHE can have their meetings and plan out specific attacks to bring down Shinra at the start of FFVII. Aside from being those as well as being Marlene’s caretaker (Barret’s daughter), she pretty much plays as that voice of reason to Cloud in order to bring back his memories and personality because, Cloud witnessed Zack’s death from a Shinra ambush on the way to Midgar and he was still overdosing from Mako poisoning. After Cloud pretty much did his first mission as like a hybrid member of AVALANCHE he wanted to flake out and take the money, but Tifa, with good memory, brought up Cloud’s promise on the water tower back in Nibelheim and that pretty much gave Cloud another go on AVALANCHE’s next mission. It’s tough to say that Tifa played a limited role storyline-wise as the heroine in FF7 mainly in part due to the arc surrounding Cloud and Aeris, that doesn’t mean she didn’t put up a few important plot highlights such as sneaking into Don Corneo’s mansion to find out Shinra’s plans in vanquishing AVALANCHE by destroying a pillar to let the Sector 7 plate drop on the slums of Midgar and she was involved in busting in Shinra’s main HQ along with Cloud and Barret to rescue Aeris. Later on in the game, she becomes a temporary party leader thanks to Cloud’s disappearance after another encounter with Sephiroth in the Whirlwind Maze, in which Cloud handed Sephy the Black Materia to summon Meteor to potentially destroy the Planet. She eventually helps restore Cloud’s memories and personality by entering his Subconscious state as they both submerged into the Lifestream and Cloud was able to defeat Sephiroth with her help and the help from the rest of the party and they were able to save the Planet from the impending wrath of Meteor using the power of Holy.

Powers/Abilities (Tifa Lockhart)

Aside from being FF’s hottest character and I should say the FF babe with the biggest BEEWBS (OH SH*T! *gets punched by Tifa*, *continuing post with a black eye*), Tifa is definitely that character to lean on when things are not going right  and she’s tough as nails who won’t be taken lightly either (Ow). Because she excels in hand-to-hand combat, having tremendous knowledge on a large variety of martial arts styles, her physical stats are much higher than her other stats. Since she wields knuckles (sometimes claws), most knuckles she would obtain would either increase her accuracy, strength, damage, or magic attributes. Her Limit Break sequence in order of level as follows: 1) Beat Rush/Somersault, runs up to the enemy and performs a punch combo followed by a Somersault Kick (Guile called he wants his move back), 2) Waterkick/Meteodrive, a low sweep accompanied by a flash of water then suplexing the opponent, 3) Dolphin Blow/Meteor Strike shoryuken-like uppercut with a dolphin then grabbing and throwing an opponent back down mid-air with heavy impact, 4) Final Heaven, unleashing a devastating burst of energy and releasing that energy blast with a single punch.

Verdict (By Stillmattic)

And the winner is...

After evaluating both these girls, it was a a tough decision to make. Both excel in hand-to-hand combat and are two women you don't wanna F with. However, in terms of story - Yoruichi lacks in this field. We know very little of her upbringing other than Kisuke being her childhood friend and then suddenly her ascension as the Shihoin Clan Head. Sure she excels in Shunpo & Shunko, but that's pretty much it. I believe Tifa offers more in terms of story and has a more important role in FF than Yoruichi ever does in Bleach. Yoruichi is what I'd call a side character and as much as she is hot and dangerous, Tifa shines truly in the field. Tifa has a hatred for Shinra and SOLDIER and what interests me about this is when someone is motivated by emotion - that become a source and fuel of strength. And to top it off, this hatred stirred from her father's death at the hands of Sephiroth himself (or Sephy for short). With Yoruichi, she was from the get-go a ally and nothing more. She offers help when needed, but other than that - she didn't offer much. I find her abilities impressive, but it's not really showcases. We don't know of her Zanpaktou or even if she'll play an upcoming role in the Wandenreich war. But when it comes to story, having witnessed tragedy befall her parents, a motivation to become strong, impressive hand-to-hand skills & knowledge in various martial arts, and being a central role in one of Final Fantasy's most recognized protagonists, Cloud - Tifa takes the Cake.

So who do you think won? Yoruichi Shihoin from Bleach or Tifa Lockhart from Final Fantasy VII? Comment below and let us know. Look forward to Bleach Fantasy posts every Monday & Friday (unless specified) around 9am-11:59pm. As always, you all stay classy now. FF currently leads 3-2 against Bleach (As of Today ~ April 25).