The knight against the shield [DP PVP | Celes]

[Celes Shindazu]

As Honegumi's own blade was ravenously devouring the Filo that Caballero had created, the Inner Hollow felt some of its power radiate throughout her body. It was actually a rather soothing, if brief, feeling. However, as the red blade finished integrating the Filo, Honegumi wasn't immediately aware of the shard that Caballero had tugged from the remains of the Filo. She opened her eyes, her vision still largely covered by blots of white light. It was annoying, but she'd make do as she saw brief flutters of movement.

Unfortunately, Honegumi couldn't quite divine what the tiny Hollow had planned. Were they preparing to use those tendrils? Did they form another gloomy sword? Ultimately it didn't matter. After all, Honegumi had never sealed her Shikai. With her complete mastery, Honegumi conjured her broken armor with a mere thought. Unlike the ribcage that Caballero had witnessed before, this would be quite different. The red energy that emanated from her body flared as her upper body became shrouded in a condensed, ribcage-like armor. Complementing this, tendrils of bone shot up around the Inner Hollow's arm, covering it as well. As the Filo struck her armor-covered shoulder, they'd likely find it hard as steel.

Honegumi grinned at Caballero maliciously. Their efforts had proved futile. This tiny Hollow wasn't worth her time. However, the grin left her face once she felt the Purification blade touch her. Needless to say, she was incensed and proceeded to violently toss Caballero farther into the depths of the wilderness. Dismissing her protections once more, Honegumi wasted no time in giving chase. Originally, she was going to toss the Hollow aside, but now they had made her angry. Now they had to suffer!

A figurative fire burning in her eyes, Honegumi raced forward at blinding speeds, following Caballero as they flew like a bullet. Unfortunately, as she drew closer, the tiny Hollow had a plan that would briefly save them from her immediate wrath. Before her very eyes, the Hollow's body contorted and their uniform black body suddenly ejected countless spikes. Instinctively, Honegumi pushed her right arm upward to cover her eyes while her left arm covered as much of her upper torso as she could to protect her heart and lungs.

The skewers pierced her flesh, but her gut reaction at least protected some of her most vital spots as the bones in her arms were incredibly tough, providing an added layer of defense. In fact, she didn't even really flinch as roughly two dozen fresh wounds opened up across her body. It seemed that Honegumi was just as hardy as Celes herself was, able to shrug off injuries as though they were nothing. As the tendrils retracted, Honegumi's eye twitched briefly as the Inner Hollow seethed with rage. "How dare..."

She visibly growled as her pitch-black aura practically radiated from her body. It was practically palpable, seemingly dropping to the ground like ichor. Within it, Caballero would likely be able to sense the pure bloodlust that she felt. Without a second thought, Honegumi rushed forward, a hazy afterimage left in her place about a half-second before Caballero fired their bala. Shukuchi-Ho was a wonderful asset to a physical combatant such as herself as she circled around, at roughly 3000 speed, to try and reach the tiny Hollow's side.

Once in place, Honegumi tried to quickly grab Caballero's black body. If successful, Henegumi stared at them for a brief moment before trying to slam their tiny body down into the ground below. Honegumi was not holding an ounce of her physical prowess back as the impact itself cracked the ground. Following up on this brutal impact, Honegumi focused her qi again to create a large shield in her hand, looking to slam it down around Caballero's mid-section with the intent of severing their body in two, and creating a massive shockwave around them. This shockwave would tear up the ground surrounding them as countless trees were uprooted. Even though Caballero had abnormal physiology, the shockwave would also rush across their body and apply an intense amount of pressure focused around their chest. Needless to say, Honegumi was out for blood!

SPOILER: Click to show

{Celes' Resource Pool}
Celes' Reiatsu Pool: 3637/4000
Celes' Blessed Breaths: 0/10

Total Strength of Spirit: 28
+10 from Shikai Overall
-5 for Ascendant Spirit - Body Restoration
-1 for Palms of the Astral Soul
-1 for Arms of the Astral Soul

SPOILER: Click to show

{Astral Soul Durability}
Astral Soul Body: 1050
Astral Soul Right Arm: 1500

SPOILER: Click to show

{Shukuchi-Ho}Technique Name: Shukuchi-Ho (Reduced Earth Steps)

Class: 3

Technique Type: Hakuda

Technique Element: None.

Description: The user makes use of his innate speed to move flawlessly. From a standing stance, or from any resting position, the first step that the user does becomes an illusion, moving quickly than the eye can see. This technique gives the user a short burst of speed to move and invade an opponent's personal space, and engage in hand to hand combat, or to weave in and out of an opponent's attack. This move triples normal speed for each step, and uses no reiatsu.

How to use: The user simply channels reiatsu around his feet instead of gathering spirit particles as what Shunpo or Sonido does.

Drawback(s): Shukuchi-Ho requires its user to have at least a base SPEED of 400 points, and is versed in Hakuda (meaning the character must be very knowledgeable in the shinigami art of hand-to-hand fighting). Also, the technique can only be used if the opponent is within 10 meters of the user. If the opponent is too far, the technique cannot be used. A maximum of 2 steps per post can only be done using Shukuchi-Ho, nothing more, nothing less. Note that Shukuchi-Ho is by no means superior to Shunpo or Sonido.

Made By: Kousaru Mugenryu

Reserved: [Captains and Zero Division Shinigami Only]

Class 3 Shikai: 4/9

Genius Stamina Posts: 6/8

[Deleted]

It was not just a difference in their combat skill, or the experience that they had when facing their opponent in battle. This Hollow was just out of this world. Its speed, its strength--or, more accurately for Caballero, Celes's speed and strength--were just... on another level entirely. No, scratch that, various levels away from theirs would've been a more accurate statement. That was a gap that, realistically and statistically speaking, Caballero would most likely never be able to reach. It was the tremendous difference between a Vizard captain against just another run-of-the-mill Hollow whose only peculiarity was that they had gone through their evolutionary chain without consuming a single human, as a result of the delusions and programming imprinted into them during their birth.

The possessed Celes grabbed Caballero's body, and the monster stared at the tiny bean's face for just a few moment. The small Adjuchas wasn't even able to react before pain followed immediately after, as their body was outright slammed onto the ground with enough force that even their small mass cracked the ground beneath, making a small crater. Pain coursed through Caballero, spreading from their back to every single corner of their body. Had they had lungs, it would've been the moment air would've forcefully left them in a stifled gasp. The impact was too great, and even with their bizarre physiology, they were not used to experiencing such powerful blows.

Ironically enough, it would be this bizarre physiology that would save them from certain death, however, because Honegumi was not done yet. Feeling absolutely insulted by Caballero's actions, it was clear that she was out for blood, because the moment the tiny Adjuchas's body bounced off the ground and fell back on the spot again, the beyond Captain level threat summoned yet another construct via Celes's Shikai ability. This one would be a large shield with a sharp edge. What followed didn't take more than a second, but the Hollow would swear they saw it happen on slow motion, only they were not able to move an inch throughout the entire process. Honegumi slammed the shield down, and Caballero immediately registered pain as it cleaved through their pure Reiatsu body with horrifying ease. Their body was immediately split in two without any sort of resistance, and the shockwave that followed was powerful enough to warp their entire surroundings... and keep pressing on the Hollow, who felt as if their entire body was squished and compressed forcefully.

If not for the fact that Caballero's body had no inner organs of any kind, they would've immediately perished from the compounded attack. Instead, they were just left on the ground, not even able to writhe in their suffering. Their non-existent eyes were only able to see their friend, the wonderful Shinigami that was Celes Shindazu, looking at them with murderous intent and a will to completely and utterly destroy them. They knew that this was not her, but the image... the image still hurt. It was an entirely different kind of pain, one that they could only feel because their mind had already gone numb from the searing agony that they were experiencing from the three previous attacks.

For the first time in weeks--no, months--, Caballero was afraid. If this kept going, they were going to die. There was no question about it, no conditionals that might change that fact.

Focus. Focus. As long as they had remaining Reiatsu, they could rebuild their body. They could stand up and fight again. But alas, neither Caballero's Strength of Will and Lack of Fear were enough to overcome the mental block caused by the fear of death that had just set on them. They were focused entirely on keeping themselves from trying to run away--not that they could go very far without their legs in the first place--, to force themselves to stay so they could, one way or another, save Celes from that parasitic creature that had taken a hold over her body. With such terrifying strength, there was no telling what that monster would do should it be let loose in Rukongai or the Seireitei. Caballero had met their fair share of captains, but they were absolutely sure that they would not be able to keep this monster down without losing many lives in the process.

If Honegumi had backed off after severing their torso, which was a lethal blow that would see any other opponent die, Caballero would slowly pick themselves up by using their class 8 Tendón to support themselves, making the tendrils with their stubby little arms. Needless to say, they had dropped Filo, and the sword had vanished into sheer nothingness because of the brutal beatdown the Inner Hollow had just delivered. Caballero forced their mind to try and focus on compressing the Reiatsu, to heal the severed midsection and allow them to stand again. They needed their legs back if they wanted to do... well, something.

However, the tiny bean was so distraught by the whole situation that their concentration couldn't make their body reform. Focalizar struggled to even begin rebuilding their lost half, very, very slowly restoring the missing mass with their Reiatsu. All the while, they could not use Bala, or attack, or even move in any way. It took all they had to simply keep themselves up via Tendón, looking at the monster before them. It hurt that it was using her visage, her body, to do that to them. Because Celes would never do that... right? No, no, she would not. She... she would not.

The fact that Caballero found themselves doubting their own belief in their friend, perhaps because of the pain they were experiencing, only served to put an even bigger hamper on their regeneration by damaging their focus. By this point, Honegumi would most likely act, but the tiny bean could do nothing else but desperately try to regenerate so they could continue fighting.



OOC:

Reiatsu: 2650-150[Class 5 Focalizar] = 2500

Cinematically, Focalizar is failing, so very little regeneration is actually achieved. No focus stacks are gained either.

[Celes Shindazu]

Honegumi's assault would be brutal as she showed not even a shred of mercy. Each crippling strike to the Hollow's body helped demonstrate one thing. Unlike Celes, Honegumi didn't hold back. She wasn't soft, warm, and fuzzy like the Captain of the Tenth. As she pounded on Caballero, the Inner Hollow's lips would twist into a cruel smile. Hearing the crack that violently spread along the ground was music to her ears and she didn't waste any time in promptly executing the tiny Hollow. The shockwaves that radiated from the powerful slam threatened to tear up the very forests around them as her shield severed Caballero's upper and lower half.

A large cloud of dust practically sprang to life and briefly covered the battlefield as Honegumi stood in a large crater of her own making. With a quick wave of her hand, the Inner Hollow created a gust of air that simply cleared the immediate vicinity of dust and debris. Right at her feet lay the severed remains of the tiny Hollow, a scarlet shield dug into the ground between the two halves. With a mere thought, the vibrant shiels slowly disappeared into countless particles of red energy.

Honegumi simply stared at the motionless form of her adversary, their Filo vanishing into nothingness. She smiled proudly. This little fight of theirs went on for longer than she would've liked, but she only had Celes to blame for that. After all, the lime-haired Shinigami was too soft to offer an effective and realistic duel. She allowed her energy to die down, effectively ending her Shikai. "Ugh. It feels nice to let loose every now and again. You see how it's done, Celes?", she mentally asked her companion. "..." Honegumi simply turned around, beginning to walk away from Caballero. "Tch. Shocked? You won't have to worry about that little fool ever a-" Suddenly, Honegumi heard the subtle sounds of movement with her enhanced senses. She slowly turned around, her eyes widened, saying, "There's no fucking way..."

If Honegumi hadn't seen it with her own eyes, she wouldn't have believed it. The tiny, severed, Hollow was standing. Well..., they were supporting themselves at the very least with those infernal tendrils of theirs. Honegumi was stunned in disbelief and sheer fucking rage. Their body had been completely severed and yet they still found the will, the energy, to move?! "How do you function?!" There was no bloody residue, no organs spilling out. Her hand curled into a tight fist as she briefly took a few deep breaths, each one purposeful and evenly spaced. As she did this, a white aura shrouded Celes' possessed body. The dozens of holes that doted her body from the Hollow's spikes slowly began to steam. Before Caba's very eyes, Celes' body began to stitch itself back together, at least on the surface.

With her body rejuvenated, Honegumi stared down at Caballero's broken body as she clicked her tongue. "Well, well. It seems that you're not a complete tragedy of a warrior. If nothing else, you have determination...", she said in amusement. "However, your determination will be your undoing. You should've played dead." Suddenly, Honegumi's maroon-colored reiatsu saturated the area, cracking the stone around Caballero and herself. "Ill show you power that can't be overcome!"

The Tenth Division had been severely crippled with the loss of their Barracks and it left much of the Outer Districts untouched by Celes' men. She could go all out with no witnesses! It was with this singular thought that she stated loudly, "Bankai." She smirked at Caba, her darkened sclera threatening to pierce into their soul. As the red aura formed around Honegumi, it rapidly formed the basics that Caba had been familiar with thus far. First a ribcage, then arms and a head. Skin and muscle quickly formed around each part of the construct, but this wouldn't be it. Cloth wrapped around the construct, snapping shut around the head as two eerie yellow orbits lit up. To cap this new transformation off, the armored construct grew legs as Honegumi was elevated roughly 20 feet into the air. Shedding some of its armor, the Astral Soul showed off fiery red hair, mighty wings, and wearing a samurai-like Yoroi. All in all, this completed construct appeared like a Tengu of legend.

If not already, Celes' and by extension, Honegumi's, Bankai was intimidating. The mighty behemoth, standing at 40 ft tall, towered over Caballero with one hand stretched out. Suddenly, a mighty sword formed in the Tengu's hand, easily reaching a length of 25 ft. Glinding her other hand over the blade, Honegumi poured her Qi into it to power up the blade as two runes along the blade's edge glowed a shimmering green. She pointed the blade down at Caba, her voice boomed loudly through the Astral Soul.

"Behold! This is the divine power of Kōgōshī Sōkō Gassō!"

SPOILER: Click to show

{Celes' Resource Pool}
Celes' Reiatsu Pool: 3137/4000
Celes' Blessed Breaths: 0/10

-100 for Blessed Breath Contemplation: Spirit Breathing
-400 for Class 2 Bankai
-4 Blessed Breaths for Blessed Breath Contemplation: Meditation

Total Strength of Spirit: 13
+15 from Bankai Overall
-30 for Spirit Blade

SPOILER: Click to show

{Astral Soul Durability}
Astral Soul Body: 4500
Astral Soul Right Arm: 4500
Astral Soul Left Arm: 4500
Astral Soul Head: 4500
Astral Soul Wings: 4500

SPOILER: Click to show

{Kōgōshī Sōkō Gassō Overall Ability}Heavenly Sentinel is the pinnacle of Celes’ Astral Soul which bestows upon her several benefits. First and foremost, the durability of Celes’ Astral Soul rises to 3x her OS making it the bulkiest stage out of all of her options. Additionally, Celes generates an additional 5 Strength of Spirit for a total of 15 per post to utilize on techniques or restoration of her Astral Soul. Unlike the other stages where Celes was limited to the ground, Heavenly Sentinel grants the Astral Soul legs as Celes rises into its stomach, making it much more difficult to hit her. This also increases the overall height of the Astral Soul to an imposing 40 ft. Additionally, while Bankai is active, Celes suffers less stamina drain from high-intensity movement. First, Celes' "comfortable" movement speed is set to up to ½ of her maximum Speed. Additionally, instead of suffering progressively higher stamina drain every 100 speed, this is increased to every 200 speed. Heavenly Sentinel also grants the Astral Soul wings, allowing it to take to the skies and fly at a speed equal to Celes’ speed which gives it aerial superiority. The wings produced by Heavenly Sentinel have separate durability of 3x Celes’ OS. If the wings are reduced to 0, Celes’ cannot take flight until she uses 25 Strength of Spirit to restore them. The legs and is considered part of the body’s durability. Additionally, having perfected the Avatar in Bankai, the four-post pain escalation increases to 7 posts.

Unlike most, Celes' Bankai has a notable restriction. Celes’ Shikai focuses her very life energy into an Avatar and Bankai sharpens that focus to push her Avatar to new heights. While her Shikai normally allows her to acclimate to the increasing pain, her Bankai does not offer her the same grace. Bankai has a starting Pain Tolerance of 4 with a max of 4 that needs to be met. Each rank of Ascendant Spirit in Shikai will reduce the starting Pain Tolerance by 1. For example, if Celes activates Bankai without Shikai or upgrading Ascendant Spirit, the Pain Tolerance requirement will be 4. If Celes has Ascendant Spirit Rank I, the starting Pain Tolerance is 3 and caps at 4. At Rank II, the starting Pain Tolerance is 2 and caps at 4. At Rank III, the starting Pain Tolerance is 1 and caps at 3 similar to her Shikai. It should be noted that if Celes met a Pain Tolerance milestone in Shikai, it carries over to when she activates Bankai.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Blessed Breath Contemplation: Spirit Breathing}Technique Name: Blessed Breath Contemplation -- Spirit Breathing
Class: 7, 4
Technique Type: Physical Bu Gei, Base Tier
Usable By: Any of: Berserker, Brave, Fighter v1, Prodigy v1, Runner, Weapon Master, Fighter v2, Freak, Genius (Physical), Lunatic (Physical), Roughneck, Shadow (Physical), Soldier, Soldier v2, Soul Spec v1 (Physical), Soul Spec v2, Experienced, Gadgeteer, Skilled, Kenpachi, Generalist, Entrepreneur
Technique Element: None

Technique Description and Effects: The user gains 1 stack of Breath, and can have up to 10 Breath stacks at a time. Up to once per post, the user may spend 1 stack of Breath to purge 20% of a debuff to one of their stats or spend 5 stacks of Breath to reduce the recovery time from being winded due to a stamina rule by 1 post. When used to recover more quickly from Stamina use, Spirit Breathing functions only once every 3 posts.

When this technique is Proficient, the user may trade up to 2 Breath stacks per post to purge stat debuffs. When this technique is Mastered, the user may trade up to 3 Breath stacks per post to purge stat debuffs.

How to use technique: Apply the basic concepts of proper breathing to the user's spiritual body, inspiring into the spirit and expiring into the self.

Technique Drawbacks: Reiatsu cost. Breathing takes time; this technique can be performed no more than twice per post, plus a number of times equal to the user's skill ranks in Blessed Breath Contemplation.

Made By: Ammutseba

Reserved? No

SPOILER: Click to show

{Blessed Breath Contemplation: Meditation}Technique Name: Blessed Breath Contemplation -- Meditation
Class: 5
Technique Type: Bu Gei, Tier 4
Usable By: Anyone who has learned Spirit Breathing.
Technique Element: None

Technique Description and Effects: By taking time to rest the body and reassert centering, turning awareness of the flow of energy inward, the spirit realigns the body to match its state of recovery. The user may shift any amount of pre-type Stat Points from their Instinct and/or Energy Sensory into a Meditative Healing Factor. For the first 100 points moved, the user can recover from scrapes and light wounds inside a single post; for the next 100 points, from deep bruises and lacerations, and for the next 100 points moved, from light organ damage and limb loss.

When this technique is Learned, the user may move up to 100 points from these stats into Meditative Healing Factor. When this technique is Proficient, up to 200. When this technique is Mastered, up to 300. The converted points move back on their own, at 100 points per post, after the user stops Meditation.

By spending 1 stack of Breath up to one time per level of technique mastery attained and ranks in Blessed Breath Contemplation taken, the user can reduce the requirements of healing via this method by 50 points for 1 post.

How to use technique: Utilize breathing and rest to transform your state of spirit into a recuperative paradigm.

Technique Drawbacks: Before learning this technique, the user must have first Learned Spirit Breathing.

Made By: Ammutseba

Reserved? No

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spirit Blade}Technique Name: Spirit Blade

Description: At its core, Kōgōshī Sōkō Gassō is a Bankai that slowly drains the energy of its wielder, inflicting increasing amounts of pain over time. To combat this, Spirit Blade is able to leech the life force of others so that Celes may keep herself running. Anyone struck by Celes is forced to keep track of a system simply known as Vitality. Every living organism has a pool of Vitality equivalent to their class; Class 0 has 4,000, Class 1 has 2,000, Class 2 has 1,800, Class 3 has 1,600, Class 4 has 1,400, Class 5 has 1,200, Class 6 has 1,000, Class 7 has 800, and Class 8 has 400. Each point in Strength of Will increases the amount of Vitality by an additional 500, up to 2000 additional Vitality. Should this pool fall to 0, the victims' life force will be completely drained, seemingly dropping dead on the spot in a DE thread; unconscious in an NDE/DP thread. Conversely, Celes also possesses a pool of Vitality equivalent to her class. Unlike her victims, however, Celes' starts at 0 and she does not have her life force drained from being at 0 Vitality nor suffer any negative drawbacks.

So how is Vitality lost? Passively, Celes' strikes drain Vitality. Each strike to the opponent's body or release, an extension of their soul, will lose 50 Vitality. Celes gains an amount of Vitality equivalent to the loss. The loss of one's very life force is detrimental to their body even before their soul completely breaks down. For each 1% Vitality that the victim loses, they suffer a 1% increase to any and all reiatsu expenditure. Additionally, Celes can touch the corpses with her blade, gaining all the Vitality they would've had left in accordance with their Class and Skills.

How can this Vitality be used by Celes? Passively, for each 10% Vitality that Celes possesses, she gains an additional Strength of Spririt per post. Alternatively, Celes may spend 25% of her maximum Vitality to reduce her Pain Tolerance requirement to maintain her release by 1. Vitality may also be converted into reiatsu at a rate of 2:1. Finally, Celes may utilize Strength of Spirit to increase the passive drain of Spirit Blade. By spending 15 Strength of Spirit, the amount of Vitality drained by Spirit Blade is increased by 50 to a maximum of 400. This increase may only be performed twice per post.

Drawbacks: Despite its ability to completely drain a victim of their life energy, Spirit Blade has some key weaknesses. First, Spirit Blade has a long ramp-up time, requiring investment over multiple posts to effectively drain a victim. Additionally, victims with a powerful will have an increased buffer of Vitality. The amount of Vitality that Celes can accumulate may never exceed her maximum. Any amount over her maximum is simply lost. When reducing Pain Tolerance, it is only temporary since the requirement will eventually increase back to its maximum given enough time.

Class 2 Bankai: 1/10

Genius Stamina Posts: 7/8

[Deleted]

The brutal display of power from Honegumi made Caballero think that this Hollow possessor had absolutely no limits. The shockwaves its actions generated were enough not to just bring them to their non-existent knees, but to also tear apart the trees in the vicinity and threaten to do the same to the rest of the Wilderness around them. Her last shield strike, the one that cut Caballero in half, lifted up a cloud of dust that envelopped the entire area, although Caballero was mostly unaffected by it other than by having their vision obscured, as they didn't have to worry about breathing and didn't have an actual set of eyes. This vision hazard wouldn't last for more than a few seconds, as the Vizard that had ripped them in half just waved her hand and dismissed it in one fell swoop. Just like that.

The pain from losing their entire lower half was almost unbearable, clouding their concentration and putting a hamper on the rest of their senses. But even still, the tiny bean kept rising. They kept recklessly endangering themselves, and why were they doing that? Just to try to break the vice grip that this parasitic entity held over the Captain of the Tenth? Well, you can be damn sure. They were on their last throes, however, but their not dying immediately from such a wound made Honegumi extremely angry. How did they function, it asked? A pretty good question, and one that the tiny knight had no answer to. And even if they had, it wasn't like Caballero had any voice to speak... or to cry suffering. The little knight still could not focus properly, which didn't allow for their regeneration. Instead, they did the only thing they could, and used some of their tendrils to create another Filo. They didn't know how they would be able to keep fighting, as they couldn't even use step techniques anymore. But they could not stand down and die. They had to help Celes.

This display of willpower had a twofold effect on Honegumi. First, she sounded amused as she spoke: if nothing else, she had to admit that they had determination, so they were not just a waste of space. The second, however, was that she seemed to take it upon herself to break them. Not break their body, as she had clearly succeeded in doing that and needed very little effort to bring them down. No, Honegumi wanted to ensure she crushed Caballero's spirit... and in order to do that, ended up fulfilling one of the tiny Hollow's wishes in a twisted way.

See, for a creature that had always held the Gotei 13 in high regard, even after realizing their Hollow nature, the fact that a Captain accepted their invitation to sparring was nothing short of an honor. In the past, Celes had also showed them her Shikai, which had understandably fanned the fires of their fanboyism. Typically, Shikai would have been more than enough to handle the daily threats to the Gotei 13, and many Shinigami were capable of using this power, provided they had a proper connection with their Zanpakuto. Of course, the tiny bean had seen it a few times, and they were strong enough that they typically should be able to go toe to toe with one.

But there was a second level of release. The realm of the strongest that only a very select few in the history of Soul Society ever managed to achieve. A complete, full release that brought forth all the power in the Zanpakuto and the Soul Reaper, pushing the already powerful Shikai into what seemed a level beyond reality. Those who attained such heights always went on to leave their mark in the history of the Thirteen Court Guard Squadrons, and took it upon themselves to lead the rest of the Shinigami into the future. Caballero did not understand what they were about to see until the very moment Honegumi's Reiatsu concentrated even more, and the Inner Hollow spoke its name.

"Bankai."

It started just like Yunorashi, or more accurately, Honegumi Gasso. A red aura surrounded Celes, and the ribcage and body of the Astral Soul began to take form, just as it had done so in the past--only this time, it was incredibly fast. But it didn't end there, of course it didn't end there. The Astral Soul became fully clothed with a mask snapping over its face, and its eyes glowed as two legs sprouted from beneath, elevating the Inner Hollow about 20 feet into the air. The mighty, majestic being was crowned by a blazing red mane and a set of wings. It was as if a flaming samurai had risen from the earth, standing at the apex while Caballero could only watch from the ground in sheer disbelief. The Filo that they had managed to create, even in that sorry state, slipped through their grip as they took in the full view of Celes's Bankai. In an ironic foil, the Astral Soul itself opened one giant hand, and a spiritual blade formed, and it then pointed it down at the Hollow. Her voice boomed through the construct, overtaking any other sounds in the wilderness around them.

"Behold! This is the divine power of Kōgōshī Sōkō Gassō!"

From their position, Caballero could do nothing but watch. They were a pretty stubborn Hollow, and had always forced themselves to keep going in spite of the odds. But this... this was completely unsurmountable. There was no reason to believe that they would be able to win, that they would somehow pull through and snatch victory from Honegumi's hands. One swipe of that blade... one swipe of that blade, and they would probably be done for.

But so what? They were a Hollow. They knew that it was for the best if they disappeared, if all the souls trapped within them returned to the cycle instead of fueling their unnatural power. Maybe deep down, they knew death was their fate. Regardless, someone still needed their help. Futile as it were, they would not go down leaving their friend abandoned to that... parasite.

Intentions aside, Caballero was so desperate that their Hollow instincts took over. They had never used the technique before, maybe as a protest against their own nature, but now that fight or flight had been triggered, that sort of reasoning went out the window. In between Caballero's now mismatched horns, a red ball of energy began to form, making a characteristic sound that would be unmistakable for someone with Celes's experience, or to another Hollow like Honegumi. The tiny bean lowered their head ever so slightly to aim the attack, and shoot forth a red Cero that traveled quickly towards the gigantic samurai. Whether that would be effective or not, only time would tell.


OOC:
Reiatsu: 2500 - 200[Cero] = 2300

[Celes Shindazu]

Finally, after all this time, Honegumi revealed the Shinigami's trump card. This was, without a doubt, the truest form of their Zanpakutō. Honegumi glared down at Caballero as she summoned the mighty blade and pointed it at the Hollow. She saw the tiny warrior looking up at her might form in a combination of shock and awe. Honegumi merely smirked. "The little Hollow finally recognizes the storm they face." She could sense Caballero's doubts. Their fears were realized. It was... exquisite.

Before trying to decide what to do with this Hollow, Honegumi felt a small build-up of energy within Caballero. Slowly, but steadily, growing, their reiatsu coalesced into a small orb between their horns. It was instantly familiar to Honegumi who grit her teeth as her brow furrowed. After all that had occurred... Caballero still had the will to fight her. It was... "Pathetic...", Honegumi spoke under her breath. It seemed that there was no hope for this lost soul after all.

For better, or for worse, the tiny Hollow fired the Cero. A red glow filled the area as the familiar sound of the Cero hummed through the air. How foolish of them. Foolish, foolish foolish! Honegumi growled as the Cero raced towards her. She yelled out, at the top of her lungs, "You utter fool!" Using her far superior physical prowess, Honegumi effortlessly shifted her massive blade into the path of the Cero. Allowing her own qi to flow through the blade, reinforcing it, Caballero would likely be forced to watch as their desperate maneuver was completely and utterly destroyed.

The red reiatsu would spread across the massive surface of her blade, covering it in its deep red glow before vanishing from sight. Needless to say, Honegumi was furious! Even now, Caballero fought a hopeless battle. "Tch.", clicking her tongue in annoyance. Instead of allowing her soul to be nourished by the Cero, Honegumi instead focused an additional amount of qi to fully trap its essence within her blade. It could prove useful for what was to come, after all.

Honegumi growled as her voice boomed through the visage of the Astral Soul. "For as much of a decent punching bag you are, I find no further enjoyment from this." The Inner Hollow shook her head, allowing the Astral Soul to... shrink. Instead of disappearing into nothingness, though, the construct simply sized down to fit closely to Honegumi's skin. Covering her from head-to-toe, Honegumi flapped her wings slowly as she descended to the ground. Finally, she began to approach. "Allow me to end this charade and execute you with my own hand."

With her longsword in hand, Honegumi focused her energy again and allowed the trapped energy to leap free. Suddenly, Honegumi's blade let out a soft hum as the edge of the blade ignited with a red-tinted plasma. She grinned and rushed forward at her full speed, dragging the blade along the ground and covering the ground in flickering flames. She was not going to for Caballero's mask. No, instead, she was planning to plow through their chest with the blade charged with their own reiatsu. How poetic.

In the midst of the attack, though, Honegumi heard what sounded like the shattering of glass. Standing a few inches away from Caballero, the Hollows' eyes widened as she saw her own longsword broken into countless pieces, practically shattered. Was this Caba's doing? No. It couldn't be... Suddenly, Honegumi heard something boom inside of her head. "I... I won't let you hurt my friends!" Honegumi practically gripped her head in pain as their Bankai began to dissipate once more, revealing the Hollow-possessed Captain underneath once more.

She stumbled around, panting heavily and crying out, "Celes! Stop fighting back when I'm so close!" She felt a wave of nausea and lightheadedness hit her as the Captain of the Tenth fought back against her control. "Give me my body back, you wretch!" Unfortunately, Celes didn't have the will to assert full control. Despite being able to suppress Celes once more, the effects of the Captain's influence would be evident. Honegumi looked like she was in rough shape. Her breathing was labored, her body twitched, and perhaps most notably, the darkness in one eye had receded and revealed Celes' amber iris once more. "C- Celes...", Honegumi growled weakly.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Celes' Altered Stats n' Skills}
Type: Genius

Strength- 500 [1500] [750]
Speed - 400 [1200]
Spiritual Pressure - [400]
Reiatsu Strength - 150 [100]
Light Aura- 100
Dark Aura - 0
Instinct - [300]
Senses - [150]
Energy Sensory - 100 [66]
Healing Expertise - [0]

Total SP: [2000]

Pain Tolerance: 4
Bu Gei - Blessed Breath Contemplation: 3
Martial Arts - Hakuda: 3
Battle Analysis: 2
Strength of Will: 3
Weapons - Longsword & Shield: 3

SPOILER: Click to show

{Celes' Resource Pool}
Celes' Reiatsu Pool: 1568/4000
Celes' Blessed Breaths: 0/10

Total Strength of Spirit: 20
+15 from Bankai Overall
-8 for Devouring Steel

SPOILER: Click to show

{Devouring Steel - 1650 OS}Technique Name: Devouring Steel

Description: Devouring Steel allows Celes to utilize the longsword manifested by her Astral Soul to absorb spiritual techniques to nourish herself and empower the blade. If a spiritual technique that Celes is aware of comes into contact with Celes’ shield or her blade, she may use Devouring Steel. When a spiritual technique comes into contact with Celes' blade, Celes can trap the technique and nourish her spirit with it. Starting at 1 Strength of Spirit at Class 7 and increasing by 1 for each Class up to her current release Class, Celes regains an amount of reiatsu equal to 25% of the techniques' cost. This increases to 50% in Bankai. If the OS of the technique is equal to or lower than Celes’ OS, 1.5x her OS or lower while using Bankai, the technique that was used becomes nullified and Celes has the option to trap its essence for 4 Strength of Spirit, dissipating into the blade of the Astral Soul. Finally, while Devouring Steel can leech reiatsu from techniques, it may also do so with willing participants. By placing their hand upon Celes' sword, the blade may act as a conduit through which reiatsu may flow. A willing target can freely give up reiatsu, transferring it to Celes. This reiatsu that is given to her may not exceed her maximum reiatsu pool. This process costs no Strength of Spirit.

Once absorbed, Celes may utilize the essence to bolster her blade for a single strike. Upon trapping the essence of the technique, Celes gains 2 charges; 4 in Bankai. Consuming a charge increases the following strike by 25% of the technique's OS. Celes may consume more than one charge at a time, up to the number of charges she currently has, giving her the option to spend all at once for an a single amplified strike or spend them one at a time for smaller bursts of power. If the technique trapped by Devouring Steel was of a certain element, I.E a fireball, she may infuse her blade with the associated element upon spending a charge. This simply adds a basic elemental effect to her blade. For example, if Devouring Steel was used to absorb a fireball then spending a charge will allow her to ignite her blade and potentially burn her opponents. If used with an element, the strike is treated as both physical and spiritual.

Drawbacks: Despite its capacity to nullify and absorb spiritual techniques, Devouring Steel has several key weaknesses. First and foremost, it can never absorb spiritual techniques that are higher in Class than Celes’ current release Class. Additionally, as Celes attempts to absorb higher class techniques, the Strength of Spirit cost increases. Additionally, Devouring Steel cannot nullify or absorb techniques that Celes is not keenly aware of. For example, techniques that she cannot sense. Second, an OS superiority will render Devouring Steel useless; 1.5x+ OS Superiority in Bankai. Finally, Devouring Steel does not work on physical attacks at all which includes products of physical attacks such as shockwaves. Despite being able to unleash the elemental effects of the absorbed technique, they will never mimic any unique effects associated with the absorbed element. For as long as Devouring Steel retains charges, absorbing another technique will not refresh any missing charges. Upon consuming any number of charges, they are lost no matter whether the attack lands.

Class 2 Bankai: 2/10

Genius Stamina Posts: 8/8

[Deleted]

It was to be expected. Really, the outcome of this battle should have been expected from the beginning. Honegumi waited patiently as they charged their Cero, already knowing full well that there was no way the technique would ever damage her. This was Caballero's strongest classed technique at the time, but even when firing the blast, the tiny knight could only hopelessly watch as the gigantic tengu-like samurai turned its blade to the side with Honegumi yelling at them from within. With her mighty physical strength, which dwarfed anything and anyone Caballero had ever faced before, the Inner Hollow moved the Qi blade into the Cero's trajectory, intercepting it with ease. The distraught Adjuchas saw their attack not dissipate into nothingness, but absorbed to empower the Bankai's already insurmountable power. But what were they expecting, really? It was Bankai; one of the strongest in Soul Society, at that. And them? Well, they were just a run of the mill Menos.

There was just no point in continue fighting, was there? They were going to die, and that was simply the way things were. Just as he had been hunted down in Hueco Mundo; just as they had hunted their own kin. Hollows were born and died everyday, and they were just another one of them. Such a pathetic existence. In the end, they hadn't really amounted to much, had they? The tendrils that they were using to hold themselves upright faltered, putting them on a sort of a defeated bow. Even the Hollows within didn't take the chance to try and retake control. In fact, those souls Caballero kept down everyday had long since lost all will to fight. It was only their own that had kept going up until that point.

Honegumi announced that there was no point in continuing the charade, and... shrunk? The Bankai turned into a suit of armor that encased the Captain's body instead. It no longer was a gigantic being, but that didn't mean it was any weaker. If anything, the more concentrated power might make it even stronger. Caballero could not tell, and frankly, they could only await their death patiently. Even when she rushed them to deliver the finishing blow, they simply hung there, ashamed. When it truly counted, they had always failed They hadn't been able to save those children from Akando. They had almost killed a Shinigami because they had lost control as a Menos Grande. And now, they hadn't been able to save Celes.

"C- Celes..."

Honegumi's voice brought them back to reality, making them look up. What they saw pierced through the darkness they found themselves in, and from there, only more cracks would begin to show. Celes was fighting back, from the inside. She was trying to stop Honegumi from killing Caballero. Even now, she was still fighting to recover control of her body, to keep the monster at bay. Like a proper Captain, she was not giving up, no matter how badly the odds were stacked against her. Watching the Inner Hollow struggle and her actually resurfacing for a moment, one of her eyes recovering its rightful color, Caballero could not help but reprimand themselves. What were they doing? What right did they have to give up now?

This time, the little knight concentrated fully, if only through sheer determination. The Reiatsu that formed their body coalesced to the extreme and rearranged, giving them a fresh lower half to stand on. This, of course, would not see them have any of their fatigue restored; it was just a second wind more than anything, and those did not tend to last for long. Their body was nearing its limits, despite their ability to repair it. But if Honegumi paid attention despite her fight with Celes, she would notice that something was different from before. This time, the Reiatsu that formed Caballero's body seemed... stronger, somehow. Not by a whole lot, not enough to make a difference. But they were stronger.

Once again, they stared at the Hollow defiantly. Having just reforged their body, they needed a moment before attacking, but they could at least recover their weapon. From their body, Caballero created yet another Filo, producing the blade and gripping it tightly with their stubby little arms, adopting a ready stance. The blade would be held to the side, pointing back, and their little legs were flexed. They were still in searing pain, still scared of Honegumi, and still convinced that no matter what they tried, it would be futile. But that no longer mattered to them.

They... they would see their duty fulfilled.

Caballero would save the Captain from that parasitic Hollow if it was the last thing they did, but not because they wanted to be a Shinigami, or because they looked up to the Thirteen Court Guard Squadrons. No, that part of their life, those delusions, were all long gone. They would put everything on the line because they wanted to help someone that had been nothing but kind to them, despite their blunders, despite their nature, despite the fact being caught helping a Hollow like them would most likely see her banished... or worse. With that in mind, they gritted their non-existent teeth, and called upon as much power as their being could muster right now.

The same reddish glow from Cero began filling the area again. The characteristic sound hummed, a dead giveaway that the tiny bean was trying to use it again. However, this time it would be different. Still gripping their Filo, Caballero's Cero forcefully coalesced around the blade. Not unlike Celes's Bankai, this Filo would glow red, looking as if it had been set ablaze. It constantly hummed with the sound of a Cero not just being charged, but contained against its own destructive nature. It was jarring, screeching, completely uncanny... and yet, somehow, it worked. The Filo it was using as a base began to greatly strain, suffering under the Cero due to Caballero's own physiology. It would undoubtedly be consumed before long, but it should hold on for a little while.

And during that little while, it would burn brightly, just like a flame about to go out.

The weapon Caballero was gripping had gone far beyond the limits of both Filo and Cero. It was Caballero's answer to their nature as a Hollow conflicting with their self-imposed duty. Soon, they would be able to go on the offensive again. They could only pray for their success, and entrust everything to the process.

OOC:

Agreed upon with Layla, Caballero will cinematically get the updated Rank 2 stats (700 Reiatsu Strength instead of 600 RS, and 45 Strength instead of 50) as part of their second wind, as well as Cero del Caballero. TTP will be deducted accordingly from the rewards to learn it at class 4! Also cinematically, focalizar will not grant Focus stacks now; those are counted as consumed to grant Caballero their Rank 2 stats.


Reiatsu: 2300 -150[Class 5 Filo] - 200[Class 4 Cero del Caballero] = 1950.


Filo + Cero del Caballero: 700+700 = 1400 RS. However, Cero del Caballero strains and puts Filo on a 4 post timer, starting with this one. 3 posts remaining before it crumbles away.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Cero del Caballero}Technique Class: 4-1

Technique Type: Custom Hollow Technique, Cero.

Cost: 200 +100 per class above 4

Description: This technique is affected by Focalizar. Caballero's "civilized" application of Cero, instead of charging a destructive energy blast and firing it to nuke a small area, they coat the sword with it thanks to Filo being created out of Caballero's body. This layers the Cero's Reiatsu Strength on top of the weapon's and gives it a very distinguishable, flickering red glow, as if it had been set ablaze. Filo also hums with the signature Cero charge sound as well. Cero del Caballero can still be shot forward, in which case it does not create a huge explosion or area damage; instead, it is blade-thin and pierces through the foe in a stab-like manner. This makes it less destructive, but allows for more accurate attacks to vital points without causing wanton destruction.

Focalizar effect: Gains the extra 50% OS of a Focus technique. Its glow also turns from red into a mixture of swirling black and white.

Drawbacks: Can only be layered on top of a pre-existing Filo. Requires at least 2 SkP in Saber Filo to use correctly. Limited attack surface when fired. Due to the excess energy coursing through Filo and spiritually-based attacks affecting Caballero's physiology, the weapon dissolves 3 posts after cast, or immediately if Cero del Caballero is fired. Highly telegraphed due to the swords glow and the sound they give off.

Reserved?: Yes

[Celes Shindazu]

Trying to catch her breath from the strain induced by Celes, Honegumi stared at Caballero and groaned. She still had some difficulty moving and felt terribly lightheaded. For the moment, she quietly watched as the defiant Hollow reconstituted their own body. Their lower body reformed as Caballero pulled another shard of darkness from their body. Even behind their bravado, Honegumi could still sense fear. Doubt. Hesitation. So why was Caballero still prepared to fight her?!

She didn't understand. She couldn't fathom it. Ultimately, the reasoning didn't matter. What mattered is that the Hollow still opposed her. The Inner Hollow stared at Caballero intently as she tried to collect any information she could. The Hollows' physiology was alien. Honegumi, not unlike Celes, was not stellar in her ability to sense energy, but Caballero was quite unique. They were composed of extremely dense reiatsu which made them easier to pinpoint. As she sensed their presence, Honegumi let out a soft "Hmmm?"

She wasn't sure why but something about the Hollow seemed more potent. Almost as though they had reached a new level from the brutal adversity against Honegumi. While she couldn't exactly pinpoint it, Caballero would display some of their newfound ingenuity as a Cero formed in front of the Hollow again. In response, Honegumi readied herself for the incoming attack. However, the orb itself receded and began to coalesce around their Filo, humming with energy. It was a completely new use of their abilities that neither Honegumi nor Celes had truly seen before.

Honegumi squinted at Caballero. Instead of blind rage, Honegumi felt intrigued. "Well then. Perhaps there is some more to this little worm after all. If they've grown in this short time... I wonder how much more they are capable of." It was Honegumi's Achilles heel. She loved worthy opponents not out of good sport, but for the opportunity to mercilessly crush them and prove her dominance. Caballero took numerous beating head-on and lived to tell the tale. "Killing them now would be wasteful."

Rising back onto her feet, gently swaying from the fatigue, Honegumi grinned at Caballero excitedly. Opening her hand, the Inner Hollow produced another longsword before sliding it into a spectral sheath. Much like Caballero's Filo, Honegumi could produce weapons from her own life essence. She took a deep breath and began to channel her energy into the blade once more. Just as before, two runes lit up with a shimmering green. Suddenly, the red tengu-like armor shrouded the Inner Hollow once more, covering her face. In a slow stride, akin to a predator stalking its prey, Honegumi circled around Caballero for a little bit.

In a way, this was a radical shift in demeanor. Blind rage had become a calm focus. Nevertheless, Honegumi valued strength and she'd see what depths of power lay within Caballero. As she finished her next step, the Inner Hollow ran towards Caballero at... a measly 400 speed. A far cry from her normal movements, Honegumi tried to close the distance and strike at the tiny Hollow's off-hand. Gripping the hilt of her Zanpakutō, Honegumi allowed her reiatsu to flow through her arm. Drawing the blade in a fashion reminiscent of Kimiko, the Inner Hollow allowed the trapped energy to surge within her newly-formed blade again.

The hum of the Cero-covered blade echoed through the air as Honegumi tried to strike at Caballero's arm at a speed of 1200, aiming to sever their arm in its entirety. It wouldn't end here though. Right after the delivery of her iaijutu slash, Honegumi lashed out with a horizontal cut toward Caballero's horns at 400 speed. After all, she did cut one of them down to size already. Both cuts were far weaker than usual, a tribute to Celes' efforts to weak Honegumi. However, the blade would also sap Caballero's own life essence, their qi, if their body touched the blade in any way. Even despite that, each attack caused Honegumi's breathing to speed up for a brief moment.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Celes' Resource Pool}
Celes' Reiatsu Pool: 1518/4000
Celes' Blessed Breaths: 0/10
Celes' Vitality: 0/3500
-50 for Iaijutsu

Strength of Spirit: 5
+15 from Bankai Overall
-30 for Devouring Steel

SPOILER: Click to show

{Astral Soul Durability}
Astral Soul Body: 2250
Astral Soul Right Arm: 2250
Astral Soul Left Arm: 2250
Astral Soul Head: 2250
Astral Soul Wings: 2250

SPOILER: Click to show

{Iaijutsu - 900 OS}Technique Name: Iaijutsu (Sudden Strike Technique)

Class: 4

Technique Type: General Physical Technique

Usable By: Any

Technique Element: None

Technique Description and Effects: The user of this technique draws their sword and strikes with one fluid, lightning-fast motion. This technique can easily catch an unprepared opponent off-guard. This attack is made at 2x the user's Speed, or at a speed of 600 (whichever is faster). Due to the sudden nature of this attack, characters with less than 200 Instinct are caught completely flat-footed and unable to react to this attack, unless they meet one of the alternative requirements (see drawbacks below).

Except where noted, this is otherwise an ordinary melee strike and has no reiatsu cost. Proficiency with this technique allows the user to immediately sheathe their weapon after making their attack.

Mastery of this technique allows for it to be combined with Shunpo to draw, strike, and sheathe the weapon in the blink of an eye. This variant costs 50 reiatsu to perform, and gains the benefits of a 3x Speed Boost (instead of the usual 2x). This variant is imperceptible to characters with less than 200 Senses. Characters with 200+ Senses detect a blur of movement from the user but may not be able to react to the attack unless they have 200+ Instinct and/or one of the benefits listed in drawbacks below.

How to use technique: Simply draw your weapon and strike in a single fluid motion.

Technique Drawbacks: This technique rarely works more than once per thread, as any opponent who witnesses this technique being used can react to it normally (regardless of Instinct). Even against aware opponents, this attack retains its speed however and should not be underestimated.

In addition, characters who know this technique or have Battle Analysis of 2 (or above) can easily identify the ready stances used in this technique and predict the user's intent. Such characters are never caught off-guard by this attack but will still need to react to its incredible speed.

This technique can only be used with a sheathed sword. In order to use this technique more than once during a single thread, the user must sheathe their weapon prior to using this technique again. This technique requires 2 SKP in Weapons (Sword) in order to be used, and 3 SKP to be mastered.

Made By: Kerrigan

Reserved?: No

Class 2 Bankai: 3/10

Genius Stamina Post: 9/14

[Deleted]

Caballero and Honegumi stared at each other, the former still in their air-tight fighting stance. Her expression had shifted completely. Where there was only blind rage and anger before, now a huge grin could be found. Excitement, intrigue. In the same way they had created their weapon, she, too, summoned her own, and then strode around Caballero as if trying to find the perfect angle to attack. The chibi-like Adjuchas carefully followed her with their own footwork, their stance faltering just a little bit. Even holding their blade hurt, after all they had been through that day. Only the blade's Cero-like sound kept them anchored to reality, thanks to how jarring it was.

At that moment, she launched herself at them. But there was quite the difference between this movement and the ones that she had previously displayed before. They could do it. This time, Caballero could actually see Honegumi move. Thanks to Celes running interference, the Hollow had become weaker and slower, slow enough for them to be able to catch up with their movements. Although the distance was cut in the blink of an eye, it was a timeframe Caballero could work with. Sure, she was matching their top speed while she was in a weakened state, but nevertheless, this gave Caballero hope. When the creature moved her sword away, all Caballero could see was the chance to strike, missing her preparation of Iaijutsu. They hadn't seen the technique before, unfortunately, so in their mind, it was a golden chance, a fluke that had happened because of Celes keeping the beast from moving properly.

All it would take was a swing. A good swing, and they would be able to use their newfound power to save the Captain. They would...!

Fail miserably.

Caballero was far too tired, far too riled up and far in too much pain to see through the deception until it was too late. Again at blinding speeds, Honegumi cut off their fragile arm in one clean swing. The little Hollow could only see their arm fly just above their head and letting go of Filo, right before the Inner Hollow followed up with a horizontal cut to complete her cross slash. This time, it was Caballero's horn that would take the full brunt of the attack, and it was cleanly severed in a single strike. The little knight began to fall down, flat on their face, but as they toppled forward, they caught another glimpse of the Filo they had just lost.

This was it. Their very last ditch effort.

From their body, tendrils shot forth via Class 6 Tendón. The tendrils haphazardly sought to take hold of the weapon, still humming and empowered by Cero del Caballero. Should they catch it, it would be brought down against Honegumi in one final attempt at saving Celes from the monster. Whether that was successful or not, Caballero's Filo would soon disintegrate, unable to handle the duress it was subjected to through Cero del Caballero. In any case, the tiny bean would fall to the floor, both horns severed, an arm missing, without the ability to continue fighting anymore. So much for their second wind. It turned out life was not like the comics that they had picked up since Ailene had taught them to read.

Even with their Strength of Will and bizarre physiology, they could only take so much before their body gave out. In fact, once they touched the ground, their form became slightly unstable, partially melting down--though not quite, since they were still alive and in possession of Reiatsu. Ultimately, their actions to protect their friend had been a fruitless effort... but they had still tried their best. Even if they died now, they had found the strength to try and do the right thing, instead of cowering and running away to save their own skin. They should be happy about that. The only thing they were worried about was Celes, who might not be able to break free by herself.

Caballero's last thoughts before they lost consciousness were to their friend, wishing that she would be safe and that she would return. Soul Society needed her. Plenty of people needed her. Compared to that, Caballero's life was naught but an anomaly. They would gladly lay it down, knowing that Celes would be able to do far more than them when it came to fighting Hollows and saving humans and Pluses alike. No, the Seireitei could not afford to lose a Captain, but Caballero disappearing? That would be hardly an inconvenience to anyone. Not an inconvenience at all...

OOC:
Reiatsu: 1950 - 100[Class 6 Tendón]
Filo has broken, as a lower class Filo cannot handle the strain of Cero del Caballero (should be equal in class, at the very least).
Caballero has consumed x2 Tier 1 Hollows and x1 Tier 2 Hollow this thread, for a total of 200 TP.

[Celes Shindazu]

Honegumi felt herself grow weaker and weaker due to the Captain's influence. She was losing control over Celes' body, but that wasn't going to stop her from attacking the tiny Hollow. Rushing forward, she took one deep breath and let the blade erupt from its sheath. In what must've felt like a flash, Caballero's arm would be severed by Honegumi's longsword. Then, adding insult to injury, the Inner Hollow cleanly cut through Caballero's horns, making them a few inches shorter than normal.

Each point of contact drained some of Caballero's very life essence, draining through the blade and into Honegumi. And so, brought to the brink of their second wind, Caballero fell onto the ground, letting go of their Cero-empowered blade. However, as usual, the tiny Hollow was too stubborn to simply give up. Using one of their tendril-like hands, the Hollow grabbed hold of the blade and swung at Honegumi in some desperate effort to put the Hollow down once and for all. A futile effort...

Matching the speed of the swing, Honegumi turned and intercepted the blade with... her hand. Gripping tightly onto the edge, the Cero ate away at their Bankai, but it was enough. After a few moments of holding it, the Inner Hollow used her strength to pull and fling the blade away from Caballero and into the ground as the Filo slowly fizzled out of existence. Honegumi might've been weakened, but she still had much more physical strength at her command than most. Even despite that, she looked at the charred residue of the remaining armor on her hand. It had thinned out far more than normal and cracks spread along it. "Tch. Not bad for a dying gasp...", she mused softly.

As the Hollow's form began to destabilize slightly, a show of their powerlessness, the Inner Hollow brought the flat edge of the blade to Caballero's mask. As she raised it gently, she allowed the armor surrounding her to disperse and reveal her hollow-tinted eye. After all, She could already tell that this battle was over. Caballero was now at her mercy! "This little Hollow has shown remarkable growth... perhaps I can have fun with them after all.", the Inner Hollow thought to herself as she smirked.

Before Caballero lost consciousness, Honegumi would speak up. "Don't worry, Hollow. You're not dying here today. No, that would be wasteful. You'll grow stronger, in time. Strong enough to be worthy of my true power. Remember the name, Honegumi. It's the name of your judge, jury, and future executioner. Until then, don't die on me!", she mused sadistically. With that, Honegumi allowed her reiatsu to recede and delve back into the depths of the Inner World.

With her hollow reiatsu being sealed away once more, Celes took a gasping breath as the darkness receded from her eyes. She stood there, twitching. Her muscles ached, her focus was broken, and her heart pounded in her chest. The Captain groaned softly as she looked down at Caballero. "L- little warr- ior...", Celes squeaked out before feeling herself drift away. Honegumi possession had taken quite a toll on her body and it left her fatigued. She could barely stand and eventually, fell over onto her side.

[Ludwig Verrlicht]

I'll be grading this for ya'll.

Caba: 98 Paragraphs at 10 TP -> 980 TP gained (490 if used for CTP)

Consumptions: 

Low Level Hollows: 2 at 50 per consumption -> 100 TP


Intermediate Level Hollows: 1 at 100 per consumption -> 100 TP

Total Consumption TP: 200 TP



Celes: 103 Paragraphs at 100 Ryo -> 10,300 Ryo + 1,000 Victory Ryo -> 11,300 Ryo

Victory Ryo isn't written out but victory TP is the paragraph gain times 10 so I did the same for your Ryo gains.

Don't forget this is a DP thread so this counts as two threads for your next skill point.