To Forge Oneself [ Joint General Training, PG-13]

[Noriko 'Asuka"]

This will be a joint training session thread which will compose of technique and CTP training for both the Twins and Adrastos. Even though Adrastos can not train for techniques, as to the twins can, both will be training together as a team while individually training themselves.

The thread will comprise of several different training sessions and will state when a session is over then graded before entering a new session. As the twins train with their new techniques, Adrastos will training for CTP by devouring the Hollows, with the help of the twins, in order to progress.

This first session will be for sonido for the twins while Adrastos goes for CTP by eating Hollows.

So with that in mind, let us begin.

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SPOILER: Click to show

{play me}

Into the darkness we wander,

to where we hope to find our light.

A chance to grasp our destiny,

a chance to loosen the chains that bind us.

To become something more than what we are,

or fade into the darkness that gave us life.

The halls echo with the clatter of small footsteps followed by loud thumps on the lower levels of Las Noches. The mid-level floors are prohibited to those who are not worthy or strong enough to climb up, unless they were the exceptional or Arrancars, while above that were the top tier levels that are reserved only the Espada. Meaning that everything below the mid-level were for the Hollows that continue rage against each other to train, eat, and prove themselves worthy to make it to the top. Even at the center layers of Las Noches, one can hear the howling of the blood thirty animals that claw and snap at each other to gain the opportunity to rise up above the rest.

Only the strong survive here while those on top can relax and remain carefree. For those who remain below, it is eat or be eaten here. This is where the cold hard truth lies within Las Noches. To out shine the rest of the competition and become the perfect Hollow. Due the new King of Hueco Mundo, many Hollows have gathered here to serve for the promise of new power. That is symbol that Las Noches stands for, and what its current King expects. With that ideal in mind three participants emerge into the lower levels that rest in the darkness to grow.

A scary place which she and her sister had to pass through before when they had come to Las Noches. The memories of passing through numerous halls filled with Hollows, Gillians, and Adjuchas in order to escape to the higher levels. This is where the realization for the mentality of being power hungry had come to them. While they do not remember their life before their rebirth, this was first or at least the closest thing they could call home. Iraishin believed that training on the top levels was too easy and did not provide the challenge or risk factor needed to push themselves to become more stronger. Up there they were at peace to train, so they were able to take their time without pressure. Down here a single mistake can cost them their lives. Here the pressure is constant and they must remain on their toes.

The first time here they did not know their way around, and even now they still don't. However, they were not alone either. They had a friend here to help them. Or rather someone they had to keep a promise to. A tyrannical beast, whose strength was unrivaled, stood with them in search of a means to end his hunger. Along the way they were able to speak and familiarize themselves for a bit. He was not much of a talker, but they could understand why, for his way of speaking was almost slurred at some points to forming broken sentences. Adrastos, the supposed "King of Beasts," is what he referred to himself as. Shiryou thought it was funny when he introduced himself, because she thought he peanut butter stuck somewhere in his mouth due to the way he spoke. If he had some and didn't want to share any, then he was rude and a meany.

He is fun to play with because he did not do anything but accept what she did to him. When it was bouncing on his back side or swinging around from the tip of his tail, now that was really fun, he is someone who will remain silent and listen. Which was sometimes annoying because she could not tell whether or not he was listening or just being silent. He was really messing with her head. Constantly Shiryou would poke the lizard's bone mask to see if he was listening or not. "HHhheeeyyy Addy, are you paying attention to me? HEY ADDY! Say something. ADDY ADDY ADDY ADDY ADDY ADDY ADDY," she would complain as she hop on his snout, do cartwheels along his spine, and poke him some more until he lets out a discomforting growl or until he says something. At least he doesn't hit her for doing these things while Iraishin would hit her on the noggin.

The lizard was too fat and wide to go through itty bitty hallways, so they had no choice but to make the front door a bit bigger. A few Balas did help with making the door yea big for their new friend. After their little entrance they led the titan size Adjuchas toward the basement of Las Noches, climbing down a ramp and two small flights of stairs before reaching their destination. Already the hairs on the back of Shiryou's neck were standing up. Nervous and a tad bit scared of the various reiatsu signatures that were emitting from the lower levels. There must have been hundreds down here. The Hollows must have led the violence down here so that they would not disturb the Espadas or something. Maybe to have more room to play? Who knows and who cares. Iraishin was pushing her to train harder and more serious, and with meeting their new friend, who wants to fill his big belly right now, Shiryou had no choice but to follow.

Iraishin has told her that they were always too slow when moving about in a fight, so she wanted to learn about using Sonido. Iraishin over heard some of the other Arrancars speaking about it and how some of the other lower class humanoid Hollows explaining during their practices, so it should be easy to figure out. But in any case, Shiryou did not want to this is now. *snif snif* She felt a hand come around and smacked her upside the back of her head. "OW, Iraishin why did y. . Her sister's hand was raised to cut her off half way and pointed down a level below them. Her eyes widen at the scenery that lay below them. "Wwwwwoooowww! Look at all of em'. There must be," the child rolls up both of her long sleeves to count her fingers. She lifts up both hands to hold up all of her fingers toward her twin, ". .this many."

Her sister shakes her head stating, "There is more than what you are showing me now Shiryou. A lot more." Iraishin was a party pooper. Always being so specific with her smart talk and numbers, believing that she has a BIG brain. Shiryou pouts looking down below at the wrestling bodies of Hollows biting into one another attempting to consume the other to grow. "Let's go Shiryou. It is about time we start." Shiryou grumbles before letting out a loud sigh. "Kay kay, let's go then."

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The poor creatures below fight, wrestle, and devour each other without remorse or a second thought. Were we like that once? I am like them? The thoughts about the past were always there for neither one of the twins could remember anything of what was before their existence. Shiryou, who was full of energy an pep with no mind, while Iraishin, who is deprived of emotions and empty inside with a mind. In some ways, they were like the animals that rampaged below them. A simple minded creature with an sensational need to grow without thought. Perhaps even Arrancars continue to carry the bestial nature that they held onto once before as Hollows. Who is know exactly?

Shaking her head away from the topic, she was digressing into matters that were to answered later on, for now it was their time to grow. Iraishin had already buttered up her other self, so now it was time to get started. With the technique Bala in their arsenal they needed to become faster, lighter on their feet. Which is why at this moment they will be focused on Sonido. Since their reiatsu and bodies are much weaker than an average Arrancer they will not be able to rest in a ragging battle, like the one the Adjuchas and other Hollows are having right now, they will have to be smart and let their "new friend" handle the barriers in their path. Sonido is a basic technique for an Arrancar, which now they will have their attempt at.

"Okay, now focus Shiryou. Just like we did with Bala. Focus," the Fraccion speaks to her other half with her eyes closed. Bala required focusing the flow of their reiatsu into their open palms, while Sonido requires reiatsu to enter the legs and push off at the base of their feet. Once the reiatsu has accumulated into the feet, the two will have to push off the surface they are currently on in order to achieve the speed of Sonido. Her sister was first.

Naturally, Shiryou was able to use her emotions to summon that reiatsu easily into her feet, however, control was a completely different matter. After pouring her reiatsu into her feet the poor girl was launched off the stair case and sent flying into the crowd of Hollows below. Iraishin could hear her sisters terrified scream of surprise as she was sent flying into the air. Reiatsu control was difficult for Shiryou but came naturally for Iraishin. There was only the slight problem of conjuring the extra "umph," how Shiryou would say, in order to have the technique working to it fullest potential. Not that she could have done better than her sister, but now she was in the same boat as Shiryou since her attempt at Sonido had her slipping onto her rear and bouncing into the horde of Hollows below.

Mastering a technique that requires and equal amount of control and push to be able to be used in full affect will be difficult to do. This will take some time to perfect. Well the two had that time provided to the tyrant lizard about to come crashing down to clear the area for practice.

[Adrastos]

((OOC: Sorry for the late post. Time to finish this.))

The two children have been leading the great beast to what appears to be an underground cellar of the towering fortress above. Adrastos had heard of such a place from the prey he has torn apart, including the fodder that have fled his territory to seek freedom and assurance. A means to seek liberation and a period of peace from the lingering sense of death and despair that clung onto the atmosphere of the White Desert. Fight and devour in order to survive, which is the law of the Hueco Mundo. Regardless of how much a Hollow flees or attempts to hide the law of nature of this world cannot be changed.

More so in a place such as Las Noches, for it was a death trap in the illusion of salvation. For those that intend to survive and grow the Hollows that take refuge must continue to fight amongst themselves to expand their own chances of survival. As for the King of Beasts, he was only here to feed, and help the little children with whatever they needed. The promise that they proclaimed earlier to him was so far being kept, especially since he was able to feel the various levels of spiritual pressure. He could not have known which direction they were being emitted from, so he could not decide which direction he should take to arrive to the amassing spiritual power around him. Which is the reason the children were showing him the direction.

All the twist and turns had finally led them to a flight of stairs leading downward to sub terrain level. The atmosphere was gloomy and damp. The small droplets of small from the ceiling above them echoed through the hollow spaces of the enormous room. As the group descends into the dark depths of the underground levels, the levels of excitement and blood lust were bubbling over the edge within the beast. Hungering howls of the Hollows below enticed the beast's own appetite even more. The two girls were bickering something among themselves from what seemed to be their own reason for being here, but it did not matter to him since there were enough Adjuchas and Menos' in these underground passages to last the King of Beasts a life time.

There were several strong signatures in the area, so perhaps there were the possibility of Vasto Lordes as well. The fact remains that there is the chance of the rumored Vasto Lordes are held within the walls of this fortress. There is only one way to find out.

From the corner of his eye the two little girls had already leaped into the bloody carnage down below. One of them was launched into the air by some unknown means while the other slipped onto her butt and fell to the floor below them. Adrastos could see the two below him slowly being surrounded by the hungry beasts. Adjuchas levels based on how they appeared to be. Their hulking bodies were smaller than that of a Menos but larger than that of a regular Hollow. The fear of the two little girls lured the predators closer as they savored the moment, before the King of Beasts leaped into the fray.

Bones crushed and two loud yelps were released when the beast came crashing to the floor below. Adrastos had smashed an Adjuchas body below his massive weight while setting himself into a position which kept the two girls under him. Gravel and splattering blood erupted into the air, which provided a opportune moment for Adrastos to snap forward with opened jaws and ripping off an Adjuchas head off its shoulders. Instead of allowing the Hollows to devour the children so that they would be distracted by their meal, he was guarding them.

One after another the Hollows and Adjuchas chomp at the little girls in a attempt to take in a mouth full of soft tender meat. Adrastos had whipped his tail from behind slapping away the vicious monsters away from the small group, while his jagged fangs found their targets as they bite down into two other Adjuchas. One Adjuchas' shoulder filled the beasts mouth while the other was stuck underneath his carving talons extending from his feet. The cries of pain and agony triumphed over the howls of the engaging Hollows around them from each mouth full of bleeding flesh that Adrastos had taken from his prey.

Tossing away his dead weight meal Adrastos helps himself into the ribs his next meal below his feet. Shredding the flaps of flesh away from the bone was refreshing as the fresh chunks of meat slide down his throat. His fellow Adjuchas crept closer at the gory scene to steal his food and the girls away from his grasp. However, they will soon know what the King of Beasts is truly capable of.

[Noriko 'Asuka"]

It was an incredible sight to behold. Witnessing a mere Adjuchas tear into a horde of rampant Hollows just itching for a moment to bite into their soft squishy bodies. In a matter of seconds the beast had devoured three Adjuchas and had already begun with the forth. Blood and purple chunks of raw meat spewed from the gory scene as their guardian tore the Hollow's spine from its bare back. That was ewwy.

The two Arrancars was simply amazed at what was transpiring before them for Adrastos to take on this many Hollows alone without the backing of others was truly astounding. An Arrancar could do such a feat with no sweat but for a being that is primitive and still continuing to grow was impressive to say the least. Not so much for the falling debris of meat and raining blood from the mess their new friend was making for them. Shiryou had a difficult time to avoid the raining gore, the snapping Hollows, and attempting to learn a new technique, "What the hell is this crap?!".

Stepping side to side in tangent with a massive animal was not difficult and in some ways it was more like a dance. On one, leap to the side, and on two they would bounce toward the other side before snapping into a twirl to their original position on three. The little Arrancar could feel the momentum build from both within herself and soles of her feet. In memory of their training for Bala the Arrancar had another go with Sonido. Upon settling her feet on three Shiryou hunches over into a crouched position before thrusting herself with a strong burst of reiatsu to push off the tiled floor.

"YES! I'm doing it I'm . . Smack. Right into the base of the stone like column ten feet away from the bloody brawl still on going. ". . ow. . " A LARGE set back on her part for not being too weary on how much umph she had put into her legs, but at least she did a lot better than her first attempt. However, this did put her in quite a pickle. Just like the cartoons Shiryou's little body was sliding onto the floor as the hungry beasts began to gather the unsuspecting child.

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Like always Shiryou was dim witted enough to not even plan a proper trajectory of where she was going to end up when attempting to use Sonido. More better than herself to say the least, but thanks to her clumsy twin Iraishin was able to put the pieces together. Sonido was used to move toward with haste toward a certain direction, and can not be used for sudden turns. Maybe not to them at this point in time but for now moving in one direction would be safe.

With Adrastos sinking his teeth into his fifth Adjuchas when the twin was initiating her own plans for Sonido. Applying what she had done before on her first try, along with Shiryou's two attempts, plus with their learning ability, Iraishin made the simple calculations in her head before building up her reiatsu. The swelling pulse of reiatsu that was created beneath her feet exploded, launching the little Arrancar from her position from under the dinosaur to the side of her other half. A single sign of success to the annoying troubles learning a technique causes, but it won't be the first or the last of such pains.

Shiryou was annoying but she did provide a good service when it came down to these sorts of predicaments. Although clumsy and dense she was able to push the pair to success, even in troubled times like so. The crowd of Adjuchas was closing with talons drawn at the twins but there was nothing to fear with their new friend bulldozing through the lines and skidding across the cyan colored floor. A trail of ravaged corpses and cracked textiles were all that was left behind of the charging beast. Whipping himself around Adrastos displayed a territory war cry by slashing at all that approached the small team of three.

Sonido was close at hand and with the help of the tyrant beast at their side, it is safe to assume that they will be very successful with their training here.

[Adrastos]

Stuffing his large jaws with another two torso's from the weak Adjuchas before him, Adrastos rams down the rows of piling Hollows to reach the two girls. His lack in energy sensory was feeble to say the least and was difficult to keep track of the Arrancar pair but thanks to all of the attention they had brought to the lower levels, it made it fairly easy to locate them. Waves of lesser Hollows swarmed around the underground column in front of the Beast King snapping at the two girls. Not on his watch.

Charging recklessly into the swarm the beast could he the wailing cries of death and pain as the bodies fell before his enormous weight. Bones crumbled to dust and flesh mashed into ground meat left a path of carnage behind the Adjuchas. A series of fangs and claws dug into the tyrants hid as it encircled the pair as a protective covering. Too many Hollows to devour, which filled Adrastos with everlasting joy. So many to eat, so many to fight. A pleasure that he could indulge without a care forever. The thrill of battle and the everlasting sensation of thriving in the blood of fallen enemies. Truly, the feelings that have been surfacing felt as though something from longer ago had been awakened.

A duty? A belief? It was something that he could not put his talon on, but it was familiar to him. A purpose from long ago. Another Adjuchas had pounced onto the back of Adrastos' neck, clawing at his throat and mask. He stumbles side to side to shake off the annoyance from his back to only snap at the hanging leg and tossing it into the sea of Hollows. Crying out into a frenzy Adrastos pummels the feeble creatures into the ground with his bare feet as the thick mass of his tail slapping a low level Hollow into the adjacent column.

The King of Beasts had already sunk his teeth into eight other Adjuchas and a single regular Hollow. A good start for now, but with the feast staggering more into a few hours the amassing horde of Hollows continued to increase to a never ending battle onslaught. Alone Adrastos could last for a bit more before needing to rest, but with the children by his side that needed to be guarded he could only do so much. Protecting them while feeding and protecting himself would drain much of his stamina and would leave him vulnerable potential fatal blows. He could only direct his attention on one goal at a time for now, so he had to prioritize.

Unleashing another frenzy of stomping and swinging of the tail, Adrastos was able to create an opening within the waves of Hollows to break into a full on sprint. Although he was slow his strength did make up for the lack of speed he had. Flexing his thighs and the soles of the feet to kick into the tiled floor, thrusting the tyrannosaurus deeper into the caverns. With the flicking of powdered dust, bones of crushed Hollows, and shattered tiles into the air, the twins will have their chance to make their escape along side the fleeing Adjuchas.

[Noriko 'Asuka"]

((Sorry for the long wait, we had a lot to take care of and needed to sort out. This post will be short too, so once again we apologize. T_T))


The great beast had allowed a small opening for the pair to make their getaway. Awing at the marvelous scene of the monster plowing through the hordes of Hollows was indeed a sight to see. Unrivaled brute strength, which may surpass that of the Espadas. It was no wonder why such a creature would refer to itself as "The King of Beasts." With the piling dead being flung around the war torn field the two had only moments before the their potential means of escaping is narrowed to zero. Not wanting to be stuck in raging sea of monsters the twins charged to the shredded pathway forged by their new companion.

Whipping tongues and clawing talons lash out at the pair as they made their way through to freedom. Their speed not as fast to what was required for them to escape, but only chance to meet up with Adrastos. A single sister would not be able to focus her reiatsu to use Sonido, but with one sister focusing on the technique and the other gathering what reiatsu needed for the two, then the rate of success will had surely increase to their favor. Iraishin had formed the plan and trained her mind to only focus on the soles of her feet, as Shiryou's untamed emotions summoned the reiatsu needed.

With each sister focusing on their own individual had made them even more effective than how they would be alone. Shiryou gathering what energy was needed while Irashin directed the gathered force into their heels. Syncing themselves to one mind to one body the two had entered a short burst of rapid speed before pressing off against the marble floor to vanish out of their enemies sight. A cool gentle breeze of the still air splashed across their face as they accelerated through narrowing gap between the columns of Menos, to have narrowly escaped the clutches of the pursuing Adjuchas from behind snapping at their heels.

A dangerous situation had provided them the means to successful form and use Sonido. From having their own lives placed at risk, and their own ability to learn from past blunders and mistakes, the sisters had managed to pull out with a victory. Though they are not as strong as an average Arrancar the two will remain down in the depths of Las Noches until they are able to become strong enough. Similar to Lady Asuka, they had to push themselves to find the strength that they sought. No one was going to train them, nor tell them how to behave a certain way. The sisters only needed their guardian beside them to insure that their success was more than defined. With the great beast slowing its advancing pace, both Iraishin and Shiryou remain by its side to take on what else lies within the dark depths of Las Noches.

[Noriko 'Asuka"]

<Training session complete for Sonido for the twins and for devouring Hollows for Adrastos. We look forward to the pending results XD>

[Zeich Yajuu]

36 Total Paragraphs = 180 TP.

180 TP (CTP or TTP) for the twins
180 TTP to Adrastos

Additionally, +450 TP to Adrastos (CTP or TTP) for consumption of 9 Hollows of Class 8-3.

[Noriko 'Asuka"]

OOC: Thank you wolfie.

Now, for this next session, the twins will be training for Hierro as Adrastos continues on with his feeding frenzy. So we will be posting first after this bump XD.

[Noriko 'Asuka"]

((With Lord Segunda's return it is time for the twins to power up and represent Team Segunda. No more hauling arsh. Hierro training))

<sub>Riding a boney spine does leave massive sore spots on your ass when doing so for a while. After their little confrontation with the horde of Hollows and Adjuchas, the trio were finally at a location that appeared to be isolated. Not entirely since Iraishin was able to pick a small gathering of Hollows nearby. Adjuchas level if she had to guess it. Not the sort of group that the two would want to tangle with just yet. At least not until their initiate training is over. The current location they were at did provide a sufficient means of shelter and cover from their "friendly" neighbors.

Stepping down off the kneeling beast, the pair took shelter within the small beast made rock formation within the wall. Besides from the series of holes there was only two support pillars in front. This made it much more difficult for larger Hollows to enter into the formation. The tunnels themselves were not narrow enough to restrict their own movement, but enough to make someone fat stuck. "This place will do for what is next." Even with all that they had gone through within the few hours they were down here for, Iraishin remained ever the same. But, she was right.

There was nothing for the beast here cept to wait for them, which was all the more the reason that she pointed East, "Idea. We will use ourselves as bait to draw in the nearby Hollow for you to feed on. There are approximately fifteen Hollows within the area. A few of them are of unknown rank but, some are that of Adjuchas." Wasn't the entire idea to avoid strong Hollows until they were... Oh,yeah.. The dinosaur was here with them. Nooooww Shiryou got the idea. From what she had just discovered all of their techniques require a level of reiatsu to be used. And the next one will require patience. Hierro.

Turning to have her twin occupy her sight Shiryou knew what to do. Iraishin spoke to her about Hierro before once or twice. In time they will be able to have skin more tougher than stone or metal. That would be so cooly. They have taken some time to train so maybe they already have it. That thought of over confidence drove the Fraccion to strike her sister across the face with a clenched fist. To her surprise that Hierro didn't work. How strange. She felt more like a cotton ball instead of a firm boulder.

Even with several kicks to the ribs the Fraccion still didn't feel the effects of this "steel skin" ability come into play. Her pondering did occupy her attention enough that her sister's own punch to her gut, leaving the twin breathless, "Idiot. I was not ready to practice and that does hurt. Similar with Bala and Sonido we must learn how to apply our reiatsu to use Hierro."</sub>

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<sub>A clueless fool Shiryou was indeed. To attack her own twin without preparation would severely cause Shiryou damage as well. The sudden punch to the gut did leave an aching soreness to the stomach. Shiryou like always did not use her head before acting out, which is the reason why Iraishin had to direct her to make sufficient use of her abilities in where Iraishin lacked. So, the need for Shiryou to grow stronger with Iraishin in order to improve their chances of survival and to find the source of their calling.

Standing firmly on to her feet once more Shiryou would glare at her twin with contempt. "Foolish. You are the one who started this without knowing what had to be done." Speaking to her dimwitted sister would take time and patience but time was something that they didn't posses. With the surge of reiatsu that Irasihin was letting off, it would attract the hungry Hollows around the area to their location. And that is where their guardian will begin his frenzy.

Like the previous training sessions, mostly similar to Sonido, Hierro required reiatsu to be condensed into their own bodies to reinforce it. How much was required was another story. Which was all the more reason for them to take their time to focus on the task at hand and perfect how much reiatsu was required and to perfect it. And they needed to do so in a hurry because with the large group of Hollows about to be upon them, they had to be ready to fight if need be.

"Decision. We will take this slowly before applying more force behind our efforts." With the idea in mind the two would nod in agreement, and begin to strike each other by slapping each other. The idea was perfect but looking at it at a distance would seem to be ridiculous. Like two cartoon characters slapping the hell out of each other. Building up reiatsu within their bodies and condensing it to enforce the layer of skin over their cheeks. Start off small before expanding outward. They could only hope that their friend could buy them the time to finish.</sub>

[Adrastos]

Baby sitting once more was never easy for the great beast. Especially if it meant sitting around as the two Arrancars began their efforts with "training." Did not seem like it to him since all they were doing was slapping each other. Did the series of soft patting to the others face do something that the beast did not see or was it their lack of intensity and subtle nature that conflicted with their desire of further growth. Watching the pair did little but bore Adrastos to sleep. But he couldn't. Not with his desire for souls overwhelming his own mind. The grumbling ache of hunger never ceased to dissipate even after devouring many powerful foes. It never stopped and it never faded. Like a virus it was constantly growing ever so much.

The Arrancar with the expressionless demeanor advised that the beast remain on standby, promising a meal will arrive shortly on a silver platter. He was not one to wait for his meals. Adrastos was a hunter and not some pet that was told when he was able to eat. Adrastos was King of all beasts. There was no individual that he feared within the white fortress. Although, there were many individuals that festered within its walls. Many powerful foes that can possibly provide a worthy challenge as well as a bountiful feast in the end. The children promised the great Beast King a harvest of flesh and souls for him to consume if he had followed along. Thus far they have kept their word. So, why would they misdirect him now?

There was little to no reason to believe in distrusting them from what they have shown him at this point. As the two continued at their pathetic attempt to train themeslves Adrastos' attention was drawn to the treading of footsteps. Not just a single pair, but of many. Each new pair of steps filling in the gaps in between the heavy pounding of feet. Exactly as the child had explained to him earlier. White oddly shape figures slowly came into view from the darkness, lured by the growing reiatsu source of the twins. With each new bruise the two had inflicted upon one another the growth of reiatsu slowly rose. In tangent with the growth of power more and more Hollows began to gather to their location, hoping to fill their bellies with the strength of Arrancars. However, the children will not be their opponents, for they will have Adrastos to play with as he grinds their bones and flesh along the ragged edges of his teeth.

As the child stated before each Hollow that emerged from the depths of the cavern were Adjuchas ranks. Fifteen of them have gathered as predicted at first but, after a moment or so, another pack of Adjuchas came forth from the shadows behind the fifteen. Possibly ten more there were. No matter for there was a fresh meal that beckoned to the beast's appetite. The very sight of them urged the beast to charge in without much thought, so, like any other wild Hollow the beast charges without a care in the world to fill his everlasting hunger. To be honest there was a jolt of fear for a moment since the children would have been left alone. Considering what they were doing they would be distracted, and not be able to defend themselves properly if they were pushed into a corner. Despite that very fact Adrastos remembered the reasoning why they had chosen that particular location.

The marble formation in the wall of the cavern formed narrow tunnels for the two to seek shelter in. Fitting really to what was transpiring around them at the moment. Since the tunnels were little more than their small stature, no being larger than themselves are capable of entering those closed spaces let alone fit in them either. Hell, even Adrastos' mighty snout would not be capable of fitting in such a small space. Made for a good defense and provided safety away from the battlefield. Adrastos may do as he pleased without the Arrancars interfering with what he must do. At the same time, they did provide a valuable distraction to his adversaries as they attempt to claw and snap at them. While they waste their efforts to devour the small children Adrastos will sink his own set of heavy teeth into the prey before him.

His hulking body brushed past the first wave of three Adjuchas to have his jaws dig into a Ox like Adjuchas that charged directly into his lower abdomen. Its puny horns did little but scratch the rippling bulge of muscles that made up the reptiles body. A loud crunch is heard as teeth pierce through flesh and bone with little to no difficutly, removing a gushing chunk of meat from the Adjuchas. An array of purple fluids burst forth from the pulsating edges of the torn wound, paralyzing the Ox as it lays silently on the ground. Unconscious before its body fell to the floor to only die a few moments later, and as Adrastos' jaws found the hind legs of an Mammoth.

Tusks swung back and forth at its attacker to only be grasped by the talons of the Beast King. Unlike other Hollows that were modeled from the Tyrannosaurus, his arms were extended and purposed to aid him in battle. The Mammoth posed little threat with its meager strength. The gap between the force of the two Adjuchas was more than obivous as the Mammoth was swung around to mash into three other Adjuchas that were charging past him. That same motion in the jaws of Adrastos, combined with his overwhelming strength, tore the hairy beasts leg from its socket. A loud echoing blow spouted forth from the Mammoth's long trunk as it expresses its contempt and anguish, slowly crawling away from its King.

Despite the mouthful of hair that clung to its flesh it was not a bad taste at all. Firm and full of flavor reflected the creatures age and development. Possibly the most aged meat Adrastos had ever sunk his teeth into, a tasty treat indeed. But it was shameful how its strength did not reflect it. However, its skin was more similar to that of stone rather than meat. Maybe it was similar to what the children were attempting to achieve with such subtly. Start of small then begin to progress to much higher levels of intensity. He can respect such a feat even if he himself did not require it, for his muscles alone could break any thing that could be thrown at him, and still come out on top. Regardless of what the pair were trying to accomplish with such training methods all the beast could do was savor the sweet warmth of the meal that was being provided to him.

The sharp edges of his teeth shred through the layers of muscle and meat within the Mammoth, only leaving a mutilated corpse behind. The first two Adjuchas were simply the appetizers when there was a full course meal line turning toward him now. Seems as though that they have found something worth their time. Not that it mattered to him since their fates will only be the same as those before them.

[Noriko 'Asuka"]

<sub>The beast was holding his own as it was shown previously on the land of the White Sand, and once more when they first entered the lower domain of the beasts. There was really no surprise in such strength of the King of Beasts since it was reflected on the scars and size of its very existence, so there was little to no alarm of danger. Well, besides the overwhelming chaos they he might drag over to them. Aside from the blood bath that their new friend was a part of, the twins were ongoing with their little session.

Proud enough to wear their bruised up cheeks with heads held high if all possible. Both cheeks fairly swollen to resemble beaver cheeks, but not enough to halt their training progress. For what Iraishin had in mind was to up the training session even more. The first portion of the session was good to go since they each were able to harden their cheeks to no longer feel the slaps, or possibly because they were too numb to feel a damn thing. Hopefully that was not the case in this situation since they needed to figure if their efforts were bearing fruit. Guessing which was the reason her sister desired to increase the intensity of their training by moving on to full physical strength.

Shiryou was able to turn her aggression into focus and lured her reiatsu to her numbing area. A combination of focus and emotion to forcibly pour her own reiatsu into a certain point of her face. Which was her bruise. After a good half hour of intense slapping she was able to grasp onto the idea of Hierro, hoping that her twin was able to do the same. Well, Iraishin was better a grasping the concepts of techniques and dynamics of such things more than she did. The very idea of most of the techniques they learned up to this point was way over her head.

The carnage beside then began to intensify when the elephant went down for the count, sparking a dormant bestial urge within all of the other Adjuchas and Hollows. It was as though the level of carnage went up a whole other level as the beasts were climbing over one another to tear away the King of Beasts bone marrow armor to rip his muscles apart. Even if she saw it before but to be able to withstand the many razor sharp teeth sinking into his body was just amazing. Some of them breaking off just by making contact with his skin, snapping like wood against stone.

"Oh, wow." she could not help but say so in awe at the bloodbath unfolding before her. Witnessing such a splendid sight was causing her own stomach to grumble with hunger pains. It was a while since they have eaten anything but the sensation was short lived thanks to Iraishins knee cap to her stomach, replacing the hunger pains with actual throbbing pain instead. Iraishin was going to pain for that.</sub>

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<sub>Her mind was absent once more from the task that was needed to be completed with haste. Shiryou was losing focus on what their objective was, and the reason why they were in such a predicament. In the presence of danger, an individuals ability to hasten their own development greatly increases for their concentration is tested beyond its limits. With stress being a factor and the possibly of death an unknown factor, the Fraccion needed to wrap things up quickly before they themselves were a meal for the gathering Hollows. Their guardian seemed to be overwhelmed with what he was already dealing with. And the fact of another group of Adjuchas levels were in route to them, then the situation will be even more dire.

Iraishin delivered a swift knee to her sisters gut to return her to their present reality. Not only for that simple reason but to have her focus on the sore spot that was now present as well. Thus far, the only means that they understood how to use Hierro was by focusing their reiatsu toward their soreness. At least Shiryou was able to, but as for herself, she managed to maintain a firm shell like layer over a specific area, meaning her entire head. Now it was only a matter of time to have her reiatsu to cover her entire body. This time Iraishin was able to apply it to her leg. Amazing how much Hierro was able to do not only as a defensive technique, but even as a means to harden the body to attack with even more force behind it as well.

Her own attention was merely focused on the applications that Hierro could be used in when Shiryou struck her chest with a thrust kick. The sudden shock of her kick, followed by the impact into the rock wall shortly after caught her off guard. What an embarrassing moment for her. Gladly the effects of Hierro did aid in repelling some of the damage, but still, pretty much hurt like no other, including since Shiryou's physical strength was doubled her than her own. "Cheap. That was lowly and uncalled for." Her distraught of what that could have led to if her meager Hierro was not active.

Shiryou's own response was that of a pouty child. Tongue sticking out followed by the pulling of the lower eye lip, Shiryou was a fool who did not understand what could have happened should one of them die. Unknowingly, the results could be catastrophic and by all means end their existence altogether. What a fool she truly was, and the very thought that they could have been screwed over infuriated her even more so. Although she could not express her contempt with her facial features, she could still beat her sister down with her emotion through her actions. But, the results were not what she had expected, for her fist felt as though they rammed into a stone wall. Shiryou's gut was reinforced with reiatsu, creating a thin layer of armor to protect herself. No, not armor, but reinforcing her own muscles to act as armor. Was this Hierro in its fullest form? And created by Shiryou?</sub>

[Adrastos]

Bloody chunks of torn flesh continued to grind between his razor teeth to swallow it. An Ox and then a Mammoth went down his throat as the another wave Adjuchas began to swarm the tyrant lizard once again. A unholy team consisting of a rabid Racoon, Praying Mantis, an Eagle, and a Sand Worm. Following the small group were the two other Adjuchas that Adrastos had passed up to conquer the Mammoth. Both Hyenas growled at their larger foe, but so did most pitiful foes that could not live up to the King's standards. Snapping with their new found allies it was the bat initiated the first strike, however, it would only end in tragedy for.

The beast swooped in with its raised talons to claw at Adrastos' face as its partners scurry toward the beast at amazing speeds. Much quicker than the previous Hollows that he had faced before hand, and more organized to add on. Such pitiful creatures to have to rely on the assistance of others in order to achieve victory, what a joke. In order to support another member of a team, each individual must be able to hold their own ground. A single flaw within the teams formation will only collapse the entire group. The group was as strong as their weakest link. And although their efforts were joined together as one, they were weak and untrained.

The wings of bat flapping in front of the beast concealed his vision as the Hyenas raided his shins. Like dogs nipping at the heels each of the Hollows were pests that they really were. The sand worm lashing out toward a single leg to only coil around it, dragging the great beast to its knees. A complete irritation it was to be swarmed by lesser beings. The Mantis fluttering behind Adrastos' neck as its scythes dug into to the exposed flesh between the narrow crevasses of the bone like armor. Never before has the King of Beasts been pushed to the ground by Hollows. It was an insult really. Regardless, even if the creatures were much quicker than he was, they severely lacked the strength or the desire that he possessed. The desire to take his vengeance on the accursed Shinigami.

The flickering memory returned to him, only to cause an uproar of unrivaled rage and hate for their kind. Rekindling the fire that was burning within him. A rage induced roar erupted from the creatures parted mouth to shake the very ground with the intensity of his raw power, nearly collapsing the bat and the other animals tearing at his flesh to the ground. Their animal heightened senses overpowered by the force of his war cry had them scurrying for cover to shield their sensitive hearing.

The mantis appeared to be slightly effected by the war cry but continued its relentless hacking at the beasts firm neck. With the others indisposed for a few moments Adrastos had to shake off the annoyance before he could feast without worry. But might as well take in a quick bite as he does so, starting with the bat that was attempting to flap away in pain. Too bad that it relied on its wings as its means of transportation, for they were the first to go as the Tyrannosaurus' heavy jaws shut close on the thin layers of skin. His prey easily rested on the floor before him as his claws found their mark on a whimpering Hyena.

Tossing about the Mantis was flung over the beasts shoulder, snapping one of the two scythes and left hanging over the side of his hulking body. Easy prey now. Snapping his head to the side once more, his fangs found the one of the thin biped legs to only rip the Mantis away from his body, and set on top of the draining bat. The two creatures were now helpless before the King as he sunk is teeth into the pair, feeling a moment of resistance from their bones, which resulted in a good harvest of crunchy meat. It was sheer bliss for a time before it was interrupted by the soaring Eagle. Another flying pest that decided to ruin his meal, and would be dealt with shortly.

[Noriko 'Asuka"]

<sub>She could see how much damage her little punch did to her sister, and probably was not a good decision either. Although she desired to put Iraishin in her place for all the crap she had given her in the past, but now, reflecting more upon their own little connection they had with each other the Arrcancar did more harm than good. Geez, did it suck. For the first time that she was able to get in a good one on her twin she was feeling the effects as well. Felt more like something that she ate earlier on was making a fuss inside of her now. Nothing good happens when food turns on you.

The force of the blow was considerably strong for the pair, and even if she was not the one who was hit, Shiryou could still feel the numbing sensation in her gut as well as the shortness of breath. Iraishin had always said that they shared something unique with each other from among the other Hollows that were born, or those who became Arrancars. That did include to what Miss Asuka and Lady Septima told them. Never before was there a condition or a situation remotely close to theirs. Normally such thoughts did not plague Shiryou as much as before, but now taking in their situation and condition that they were in, her other half was correct. They were pathetic as much as the fact disturbed the Arrancar so.

If she were to compare their strength to that of the Adjuchas dooking it out of their little sanctuary, then they were a disgrace. Exactly how Lady described them as. Shiryou was not a thinker but a doer. For the first time in her own existence she was planning their future course through her own desires. As Iraishin pointed out, Shiryou was the force driving them while Iraishin was the operator who was directing that force. The more she scavenged at the pieces that alluded her grasp the more frustrated she became. She desired more... She yearned for more.

Guessing that there was more to their old nature of being a Hollow was carried over to their current forms. Similar to how their new friend, Adrastos, their hunger and desire was there, along with something else. A dark void that continuously attempts to drag her into its depths with no sign of hope. What was it she was feeling? And based on their connection to the other she knew Iraishin did not feel it. How could she? She had no heart. There was nothing beating in her chest. At least not like Shiryou. Unable to piece together the constantly shifting puzzle, Shiryou did only what she only knew. "AAARRRGGGHHHH!" A furious cry of frustrated emerged from her once cheerful lips to charge out into the growing fray.

She didn't know what to do. She didn't know how to process it. All she could do was relieve herself of the pent up anger, allowing the rush of adrenaline to push her forward, and directed by her own desires. Her own physical strength trumped over Iraishins capabilities, and with her soreness beginning to waiver she would only have the strength to pull herself up and resist their new foes as they would charge in to help their friend. However, without the use of their Zanpakutos. Instead, she would use her clenched fists while applying their training with Hierro to harden her skin, mashing the nose of the recovering Racoon on the side of the Tyrannosaurus Adjuchas.

Directing her passion into her fist she could feel the resistance of the creatures skull meet with knuckle. Just as it did with Iraishin, the skull held but a moment before caving into the force of her blunt attack. It did hurt her hand considering that the amount of force that had to be delivered to break through a skull, her own hand was tingling as it was withdrawn from the Hollow. It felt good. Sheer bliss to have something weaker than her suffer so much.</sub>

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<sub>A wet crunch was all she heard as she was lifting her sore self to her feet. A dusty trail was all that was left when Shiryou dragged her from the safety of their confinements to satisfy her own desires. Her mind was filled with thoughts of anger and bitter memories that were constantly repeating themselves over and over again. For someone like her twin she lacked the ability to manage and understand them. Shiryou was merely driven by her natural instincts and her passions. There were no ideas leading her on. At least is what she originally thought of most of her sister's actions up to where they stood now. This time... there was something unique. A form of understanding and thought lurked behind the veils of shadows inside that empty head of hers.

Even though she was being led on by her impulses as she normally was, there was a flicker of purpose behind it. Her twin was never really bright and the up most reckless in everything she did, but this time Shiryou was holding onto an idea that was beneficial to their future. As her sister's sister pound into the weakened Racoon Iraishin could see something new transpiring within Shiryou. Another dissatisfied snarl erupted from their friend as his meal was interrupted by the Eagle like Adjuchas. Adrastos shrugged the minor inconvenience to resume his feeding frenzy from the Bat and Mantis to the Hyena pair.

The Sand worm that coiled around the beast's legs slowly untangled from the beast to withdraw away from the fight. Its teeth spun in a circular motion as though it were a drill powering up. An interesting creature it was but as long as it stood before them and their comrade, it was the enemy. Without pausing to think, Iraishin shifted her posture to quickly move into a sonido beside the worm, grasping onto its slimy skin. Like a waxed floor her the creature was sliding through her delicate grip, but only for a moment as her stance and grip was firmed by the effects of Hierro.

A technique can be used more than what its intended purpose was so it may assist in other areas. In this case, it was to retain a better handling by digging her nails into its hide and her feet like anchors on the ceramic floor. Shiryou immediately rushed over to her side to provide further assistance as the two applied their new technique to drag the creature away from its newly formed burrow, and tossing it into the air for their friend to munch down on its frail body. And what a sight it was. Like a filling to a fruit gusher, its innards spilled onto the floor. At least someone was enjoying their day while they were sore from training. Regardless, their battle was far from over.</sub>

[Noriko 'Asuka"]

[Bumping to signify as a completed training session. We will wait for grading.]]

[Takashi Kuchiki]

+ 210 TP for all.