Circus Circus [Open Joint-Training, PG-13]

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

OOC: This is a joint training between Marcus and anyone who wants to join. Please don't enter your character with the intention to turn this into a PvP. Training only please

[Marcus Cole]

OOC: Training for 410 TTP for the Soul Mastery techniques. The rest can go to CTP.

Breath…

Wind blew through slits in the faded orange canvas. The Karakura circus grounds had not seen a performance in fifteen years, and the sheets that comprised the enormous tent looked like they had been mauled by grizzly bears and shredded by hurricanes. Miraculously, strips of cloth managed to hold the tent together, although they formed more of a web than a blanket – a shadow of the once glorious carnival.

Over one hundred feet above the ground, a worn rope, slung between two posts, held the figure of a single man. The man swung with the rope in the evening wind, rising and receding like waves upon smooth sand. The wind was inconsistent. One moment, it was gently guiding the rope, and the next, it was throwing itself against it violently. Despite the fickle nature of the air, the man’s balance remained steady. He did not waiver. His chest rose as his lungs filled with air and….

CRACK!

Lightning leaped into the sky from his head, accompanied with the roar of thunder.

Breath…

The man struggled to keep his breath steady as the air left his lungs. However, his balance was undisturbed. As the tightrope was brutally shoved to the side, he kept his footing, leaning opposite of the wind until the tightrope swung back down. He was panting, visibly exhausted from the lightning technique. But it wasn’t enough. He was just getting started. Once more, he filled his lungs and

CRACK!

His knee wobbled, and for a second, it almost looked like the man would topple over the edge of the cord, but at the least minute, he recovered himself with his arms extended to each side. Little by little, he lowered his arms. The sound of his panting was drowned in the wind, but to any onlookers, his fatigue would be painfully obvious. The bursts of lightning seemed to tire him out pointlessly, but in reality, there was a necessity to the eruptions of electricity.

I can feel it… Marcus thought to himself, his fingers tingling with energy. He could feel the lightning flow through his body and soar from his head into the sky. Marcus was interested in that electricity. Balancing in the wind was his form of meditation, testing strength of his physical equilibrium. If he could hang on, despite the thrashing of the breeze, he was physically sound. The next layer was strengthening his spirit.

Since his battle with Luke, the fullbringer was aware of his short-comings. He was sufficient in close-quarters, physical combat, but that strange mist technique Luke had activated completely countered his greatest advantage. Suddenly, Marcus’s knives and strikes were useless. That was his weakness – his lack of offensive versatility. Patching this shortcoming was Marcus’s next step. With Soul Dominance, he could generate flames and lightning, but doing so was limited and tired him rapidly. Soul Dominance was not a reliable tool.

But if Marcus could find a way to generate that same energy and contain it in his body, he would be able to diversify his attacks. No longer would he only be able to do physical damage. By imbuing his attacks with electricity, he would add a dangerous new element to his combat style. I’ll be strong. He thought to himself with iron conviction, thinking immediately of the smiling face of his finacee Harle. I’ll be strong for her.

Breath…

Marcus continued the cycle, but this type, he generated no electricity. Soul Dominance simply allowed him to feel the flow of the lightning as he condensed and focused it. Now, it was time to contain the electricity within his body. He had to prioritize control over raw power. The fullbringer’s reiatsu signature spiked, but despite his effort, he generated no energy.

Again. Breath…

Despite his fruitless effort with his first attempt, Marcus tried once more, and once more, no electricity was generated. Again. Breath…. Nothing. Again, breath… Nothing. Again. A couple miles outside of urban Karakura, in the woods near the city, the fullbringer’s reiatsu continued to spike and fall and spike and fall as he trained himself on the tightrope.

Marcus was only concerned with his own self-improvement and hadn’t considered the attention he was drawing to himself. For all he knew, a stranger could be near by – a Hollow, Arranacr, Shinigami, another fellow Human World Dweller, or anything in between. Although it was not his intention to do so, Marcus just might have attracted a few curious souls to his location.

[Valentin Acciai]

Training for 110 SP, rest TTP

A rare trait among Hollow Valentin sometimes visited the world of the living for purposes unrelated to the consumption of souls, no instead he had made his visit to commit theft and to mortal men a book had made it's mysterious floating exit out of the store with the shopkeeper so stunned by the act that he was certain he'd need to close the store early for the day and get some rest. The book in particular that the Adjuchas had made his getaway with was a rather common work, ''Of the Origin of Species'' by Charles Darwin. It was a fitting read and of great interest to a creature such as himself who was like the rest of his kin obsessed with the metamorphization of his own being into ever greater forms.

And originally it had been his plan to find a good spot within the forest to read it as well since the moonlight of Hueco Mundo wasn't quite enough to get a pleasant read out of it not to mention the large amount of predators who would have loved a stationary target. But there was something else that had taken his attention, awful as Valentin was in sensing Reiatsu he could feel the faintest hint of it deeper within the woods and being the curious sort he decided to investigate, should it be hostile then he would be able to have himself a snack as he read. Going deeper he began noticing the remains of the abandoned circus, patches of the great tent flapping in the wind past the trees.

Valentin had been to Karakura quite a few times by now but he never knew they had themselves a haunted circus ground leaking Reiatsu. Deciding to be just a little cautious Valentin kept himself to the edges of the Forest and spied the silhouette above, at first he thought they were standing on air and first suspected a reishi platform but further inspection had Valentin see the tightrope. Observing quietly for a while it was beginning to bother him that despite his patient waiting the silhouette above didn't seem to accomplish anything, no acrobatics nor any interesting techniques and thus he was getting bored. But he had an idea on how to change that which would with luck prove very amusing.

Slowly stepping out from the cover of the trees Valentin's lungs filled with air as he prepared to roar loudly spitting out the words ''DO A BACKFLIP!!'' should it in any way disturb the balance of the figure above he'd burst out laughing at them, if not he'd make a friendly little wave to announce his presence. Regardless of the reaction he would follow up his prior words as to establish that he wasn't here to eat nobody ''If you just stand still on the rope you'll entertain no one, you have to switch it up, awe the crowd!'' he'd say, oblivious to the fact that the Fullbringer wasn't actually training for a circus act.

[Marcus Cole]

''DO A BACKFLIP!!'' Marcus was visibly startled by the sudden yell. However, he didn’t jump and curl up. He was battle-hardened, and for that reason, his instinct was to bend his knees and raise his fists in defense. When his eyes fell upon the hollow below him, his fists only clenched. “If you just stand still on the rope you'll entertain no one, you have to switch it up, awe the crowd!”

Marcus didn’t enjoy being addressed so casually by the monster before him on the same ground where his parents had perished at the hands of a hollow attack. The night that a shadow tore through the circus tent – the same gaping tears that remain in it right then – before moving as a blurry shadow to consume his parents mid-flight. There was nothing he could do. On that night, he lost everything – his family, his voice, and his identity.

But Marcus was a new man. A better man. Over the years the fullbringer had engaged in combat against scores of hollows – maybe even a couple hundred of them in total. This was just one more tally on his list. He didn’t even grace it with a reply. Although Marcus recovered his ability to speak, he never felt the need to exercise it without reason. This hollow didn’t deserve to be talked to, only eliminated.

The fullbringer wasn’t as prepared for combat as he would have liked. His Uzaki Enterprise suit lay in his empty apartment. He would have to rely on his trusted pair of throwing knives as well as his set of standard kunai. Marcus pulled two kunai from his waist, carrying one in each hand as he leapt off of the tightrope. By creating a staircase of air ground, he began his descent – moving toward the hollow as he did. As he ran, Marcus infused his reiatsu into the kunai, activating the technique Energy Generate: Return. He then threw each kunai in quick succession at Valentin, chasing after them as he did.

As Marcus ran, he began to realize the toll that his training had taken on him. Without a rest period, he was significantly weaker than usual. His sore muscles couldn’t provide the same level of strength and speed as usual. Furthermore, his reiatsu’s potency had declined after putting so much stress on his spirit. He was at a disadvantage. The fullbringer would have to be cautious of these limitations.

Marcus expected some kind of counter on the hollow’s part that would appropriately deal with his kunai. The projectile served as a distraction and a simple obstacle. If he could keep the hollow there by giving him an easy attack to block, then Marcus would have the time he needed to close in for his real assault. He withdrew his two special knives, the sealed form of his fullbring. Once he reached Valentin, he would step into the hollow’s guard with his left foot, placing it slightly in front of and between the hollow’s two feet. He also held his left kunai up between himself and the creature to protect against an attack. With his right blade, Marcus jabbed his arm forward, intending to dig the tip of the knife into the hollow’s left shoulder.

Reiatsu Remaining: 2200/2500 (-300 for 2x Return)

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats, Skills, and Items}

Strength - [200] (100) Points (50)

Speed - [200] (400) Points (300)

Spiritual Pressure - [250] Points

Reiatsu Strength - [300] (600) Points (300)

Light Aura - [60] Points

Dark Aura - [40] Points

Instinct - [300] (150) Points (100)

Senses - [150] Points

Energy sensory - [0] (0) Points

Healing Expertise - [0] Points

Total SP: [1400] Points

Abilities

• [Martial Arts: Escrima] {2}
  
  
• [Weapons: Throwing Weapons] {1}
  
  
• [Battle Analysis] {3}
  
  
• [Strength of Will] {2}
  
  
• [Special Skill: Movement] {2}
  
  
• [Stealth] {3}
  
  
• [Acrobatics] {3}
  
  

Items:

15 Kunai

Kunai Canon

Suit MK I

SPOILER: Click to show

{Energy Generate: Return}
Technique Name: [Energy Generate: Return]

Class: [4]

Technique Type: [Energy Generate]

Usable By (Technique is available to which races?): [HWDs]

Technique Element: [None]

Technique Description and Effects (Explain appearance, powers, and effect): [Insert Below]

This technique relies on a bond between the user and their weapon. Once physical contact is made with a weapon, the user may pay 150 reiatsu to embed their reiatsu into said weapon. In the case of a released weapon, which already has the user’s energy flowing through it, this cost is reduced to only 50 reiatsu. Now, if that weapon ever leaves the user’s grasp, they may will it to return to their hand at a speed and force equal to the user’s reiatsu strength. As long as it is within 200 meters of the user, it will fly back to their grasp like metal to a magnet, slowing down only when it is a few inches away to avoid damaging the user. If the weapon is bladed, just as it approaches the user, it will spin so that its blunt-end, hilt, or handle enters the user’s grasp first. This technique best compliments throwing weapons like kunai, but it is also compatible with melee weapons.

How to use technique (How is it activated?): [Insert Below]

After activation, the user must will the weapon to return to their hand.

Technique Drawbacks (Limitations, repercussions for use, etc) (Insert Below)

Other than reiatsu cost, this technique lasts for 4 posts. However, the user can repay the cost to renew duration.

Made By: Marcus Cole

Reserved? (Yes/No) (Can others use your technique, or just your character?): [No]

[Valentin Acciai]

The hollow sighed when unamused circus artist looked his way without even the faintest suggestion of a flinch, he knew that stare he was getting far better than he would like. ''Y'know not all hollows want to eat ya, i'd rathe-'' forced to narrowly dodge the approach of the throwing weapons with the latter of the two managing to hit him in the thigh, getting stuck in his carapace and doing some light damage Valentin was forced to halt his talking as he pulled the blade out and his flesh began to reknit itself, it seemed the human was in no mood to talk to a monster,  it didn't surprise him but it did disappoint the Adjuchas. Not far behind the kunais the man himself charged and Valentin who wasn't even in a good stance to counter this brazen hostility.

Forced to act in kind the Adjuchas jaw unhinged as a hilt exited from his mouth, a weapon forming within his body he would have preferred a zweihander to keep his opponent at bay but to create such a large object would take him far too long and as such Valentin would have to settle for something smaller and in the end with his right hand pulled out a weapon made entirely from bone with a blade just a little over two and a half feet with a crossguard it was an imitation of an arming sword, a weapon made famous by the knights who chose to wield it.

But there would be no time to admire his own craftsmanship as his foe closed in with the unfair advantage of two blades at that, Unfit to meet Marcus in close combat  just yet the hollow jumped backwards disappearing into an ulcera to avoid the human's charge only to reappear ten meters behind his former position. From there the Adjuchas dashed forwards to meet the warrior with sword in hand as he jabbed in the air with his free left hand, sending a speeding Bala ahead aimed at the humans chest as Valentin himself sought to swing his sword horizontally towards Marcus to busy the humans own blades. If that could be accomplished then Valentin's tail while staying behind the hollow would poke its tip in the human's direction as three dagger sized spikes would shoot out of it towards him.

-25 Organic Generation
-100 La Mia Spada
-75 Ulcera

1250/1450

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats & Skills}Strength - 150 [50] (33%)

Speed - 200

Spiritual Pressure - 145

Reiatsu Strength - 200 [300] (150%)

Instinct - 150 [50] (33%)

Senses - 50

Energy sensory - 25 [8.5] (33%)

Healing Expertise - 70 [105] (150%)

---------------

[Pain Tolerance] {2}

[Bleeding Tolerance] {2}

[Stealth] {2}

[Swords] {2}

[Acrobatics] {2}

[Street Fighting] {2}

SPOILER: Click to show

{Organic Generation}Organic Generation, Valentin has the ability to generate various tissues from anything carrying his Reiatsu signature, not always just from his body. This makes him quite adept at creating organic structures and regenerating himself from injuries as well as that of others and can with sufficient time and Healing Expertise regenerate from the most devastating damage to a body as long as there is Reiatsu to spare. There are 3 different types or tiers if you will of this regeneration, the simplest being the regeneration of muscles, skin or anything at the surface level which would take him 1 turn of healing. The second type being the more serious injury of major muscle and even limb loss where he would be required to grow back a large part of a body from where it is missing, taking the time of 3 turns before fully functional. And lastly the third type being the most complex and important is the regeneration of things such as internal organs which could take as long as 5 turns. All of this regeneration does have a Reiatsu cost of course, the first type being 25 Reiatsu per injury, the second at 100 and the third at 200 Reiatsu. For every 250 Healing Expertise Valentin possesses he can reduce the time to heal by one turn, meaning the lower tiers if he were to become supremely proficient with the healing arts could heal near instantaneously.

Should this regeneration be used to restore any natural armour or weapon then the regenerated spot will be half as tough as it usually was for 3 posts before properly hardening. He can make use of his abilities in others by expending his own Reiatsu at double the price for any technique usable in himself though it requires that a piece of his flesh has been inserted into their body to act as a beacon for his Reiatsu to stream into them by what would look like a thread for those good at sensing energy. While his power can allow him a great deal of comfort knowing that there is no such thing as a permanently lost body part for any he would deign to call friend his abilities do have one great flaw, it's a network and Valentin is the mainframe. Any relatively recent healing from his beacons (that being within 6 hours) he has applied to others will rapidly fall apart and unravel should he be put in a state of severe mental distress or unconsciousness, the whole system crashing with him.]

SPOILER: Click to show

{La Mia Spada}Technique Name: La mia spada

Class: [4]

Technique Type: [Hollow]

Usable By (Technique is available to which races?): [Hollow]

Technique Element: [Organic]

Technique Description and Effects (Explain appearance, powers, and effect): [This technique allows Valentin to forge swords from his very own bone, the weapon has no decided length or form and is generated according to his desires at the time. Spending a large amount of Reiatsu the blade is infused with his Spiritual energy and as such can compete and hold it's own against things such as Zanpakuto using whatever is his dominant offensive stat to determine durability and cutting power. The sword once finished is a permanent object in the world although the spiritual energy of it will fade within an hour and reduce it to no more than an ornament. 100 Reiatsu Cost.]

How to use technique (How is it activated?): [Standing straight and opening his jaw the hilt will extend outwards from his mouth for his hand to then grab onto and pull out from his body. Ready to be wielded.]

Technique Drawbacks (Limitations, repercussions for use, etc) (Insert Below)

It takes a few second for the blade to come out, creating an opening.

Incantation and Effect:

Made By: Valentin Acciai

Reserved? (Yes/No) (Can others use your technique, or just your character?): [Yes]

SPOILER: Click to show

{Ulcera}Technique Name: Ulcera (Ulcer)

Class: 7

Technique Type: Stepping

Usable By: Hollows (Not Arrancar)

Technique Description and Effects: This technique is a basic stale for a Hollow's ability to slide in and out of the valley of screams at will when it is hunting or stalking prey. By gliding in and out of the space used by techniques like garganta or descorrer, a hollow can get around quickly. This technique operates similarly to a stepping technique, but only moves at 5x the user's speed. However, the user weaves through rips in the fabric of whatever world they are in, and as such the hollows exits, and then re-enters at the destination, Hollows do not lose awareness of the world as they move through an Ulcera, and can return to the material world mid-step in response to a threat or opportunity. This technique does not take up a Technique slot.

How to use technique (How is it activated?): See Above

Technique Drawbacks (Limitations, repercussions for use, etc) Costs 75 reiatsu per step.

Made By: Ajora

Reserved?: No

SPOILER: Click to show

{Living Spike Shots}Technique Name: [Living Spike Shots]

Class: [4]

Technique Type: [Hollow]

Usable By (Technique is available to which races?): [Hollow]

Technique Element: [Organic]

Technique Description and Effects (Explain appearance, powers, and effect): [This technique allows Valentin to fire off spikes that can be grown from any part of his body in front of wherever he's aiming the spikes to a penetrating power equal to his Reiatsu Strength and a Static Speed of 600. The spikes on average are the size of a short punching dagger or 5 inches long and 1 inch wide so they can do moderate harm however there is a limited number of them. On his tail he has 10 spikes usable for that purpose and regenerates them naturally by 1 spike per 50 healing expertise a turn when it comes to those on his tail. Expending Reiatsu he can generate these same spikes from any part of his body with a cost of 25 Reiatsu for two spikes.

This technique acts as a stepping stone for further abilities as the spikes fired from his body are still alive and connected to him for a time, his Reiatsu visibly still present in them. They are made from an outer layer of bone structure with a fleshy inside akin to an organ though initially inert and malleable until another ability makes use of them and gives them purpose. Should there be no resistance from the body it hits for example a friendly and aware target then the spikes will upon penetration sacrifice their bone exterior to heal the wound made upon entry after the organic part has gone inside. Even if they do not strike a target they will still become a beacon for his spiritual energy and just as capable to transform to suit his purposes. this flesh eventually dissolves within twenty minutes whether or not having a host to sustain itself from and would have to be replaced to continue it's duties.]

How to use technique (How is it activated?): [By aiming the concerned body part in a chosen direction and simply forcing them out by contracting his muscles, in short flexing them out.]

Technique Drawbacks (Limitations, repercussions for use, etc) (Insert Below)

Supply of fired spikes must be regenerated.

Always go straight so they can be easy to predict.

If the relevant muscle structure is notably injured this technique cannot be used from there until healed.

Incantation and Effect:

Made By: Valentin Acciai

Reserved? (Yes/No) (Can others use your technique, or just your character?): [Yes]

[Marcus Cole]

Marcus’s eyes carefully observed the sword that Valentin drew from his mouth. It possessed a bony structure, and considering where it came from, Marcus was inclined to believe that the sword was crafted with parts of the hollow’s own body. If the hollow could manipulate his own bone, perhaps he had some abilities that would prove very dangerous in close combat. The fullbringer would have to be cautious.

One of the two kunai met its mark, sticking itself into the hollow’s thigh. The landed fell a couple dozen of feet behind Valentin. Marcus lost sight of the hollow for a split second as it repositioned himself with a step technique, taking him an extra moment to close the distance between the two. However, by buying himself some time, the hollow managed to launch his own counter attack.

Marcus and Valetine ran at one another, and as they did, Valentine thurst his free hand forward to launch a bala at Marcus. The fullbringer saw it coming. The moment he saw the hollow push his empty hand forward, Marcus anticipated some sort of spell. He reciprocated in kind, pointing his index finger of his left hand at Valetin and shooting a single light beam from it. Thanks to Marcus’s superior offensive stat, it would tear through the bala and continue forward, piercing Valentin in his left arm.

If Valentin continued his assault, Marcus would block his swing with his right blade before thrusting the knife in his left hand forward. His target was Valentin’s mask, but he wouldn’t get very close. He hadn’t anticipated a strike from Valetin’s tail, and he was even more surprised when sharp projectiles jumped from its tip toward him. The first would hit its mark, landing on his left thigh. However, the rest would fly through thin air as Marcus executed Movement, repositioning himself about 20 meters to his right.

Damn, he thought, pulling the blade out of his thigh and tossing it to the side as he examined his wound. I’ll have to be more careful. In order to avoid taking any more damage, Marcus decided to figure out what kind of opponent he was facing. He waited calmly for Valentin to make the next move, holding the two blades in each hand in front of him in preparation for the hollow's next attack.

Reiatsu Remaining: 2100/2500 (-25 for Movement, -25 for Energy Generate: Shine)

Return Post Count: 2/4

[Valentin Acciai]

His bala being shot off it came as a surprise to the Adjuchas when it detonated prematurely, had the human used some sort of technique? in any case he had failed to notice what it was in the heat of things. Regardless of the unexpected failure of the bala Valentin chose to continued his charge and fortunately found success in retaliating, paying the human back for that surprise attack earlier and forcing the human to retreat for the moment. Looking at him with a focused gaze i decided to be a bit devious since the human appeared to be at the ready for me to attack ''Ya know, if i were you i'd probably let the wound bleed a little. Those tips of mine are coated with a lethal albeit slow acting neurotoxin, as a former doctor i think i owe you that much. I won't attack while you neutralize it, swearsies!''

I stated as i took stance with my legs and had my sword held forwards to face the hostile man in case he moved to strike, the thing about the poison was a lie of course but Valentin made a mental note to learn how to generate harmful substances for a later date. As such Valentin continued to wait, having fun letting the man think the poison was spreading as it was also giving him an opportunity to fully recover from his injuries while the poor little human couldn't. ''I don't hold it against you for attacking me though,'' the hollow spoke if he were given the time to do so ''Sorta used to that rude shit by now. Still hurts my feelings a little though, ya racist prick.'' the hollow would mention a bit more venomously as he stalled for time to balance events in his favour. 

[Marcus Cole]

''Ya know, if i were you i'd probably let the wound bleed a little. Those tips of mine are coated with a lethal albeit slow acting neurotoxin, as a former doctor i think i owe you that much. I won't attack while you neutralize it, swearsies!'' Marcus clenched his teeth with a mix of anger and concern. He relied heavily on his physical capabilities in combat. Due to his fatigue, he was already much slower than normal, but now, complete paralysis was a possibility. He would have to take countermeasures before the poison could act.

Marcus just now realized that the hollow’s injury from his kunai had also disappeared. He was certain that his blade dug into the creature’s skin, so the only explanation was that the hollow had some sort of healing abilities. Valentin was proving to be much more frustrating than the average hollow that roamed Karakura. Marcus would have to rely on an ability he had only employed a handful of times in the past: his fullbring.

The two blades in Marcus’s hand suddenly began to glow, transforming into sleeker and slightly longer knives made of a charcoal-colored spiritual steel. His power was one of mobility, and if he could it up, his fullbring would compensate for the damage any neurotoxin delivered. He was prepared to re-engage the hollow. First, the fullbringer tapped his left blade to the ground before lightly touching it against his chest. In doing so, he had connected those two points through an intangible, translucent string. After doing so, Marcus rushed toward the hollow once more, fighting the burning sensation in his left leg as he applied pressure on it. His injury was not too severe, and with his potent strength of will, he would be able to manage.

As Marcus made his assault, however, he sprung a trap he placed for their hollow during their first exchange. By infusing the two kunai he threw earlier with reiatsu, he was able to call them back to him with a simple mental command. With a force and speed of 300, they would rush back to Marcus. However, Valentin stand in their path. If he couldn’t detect the knives, they’d dig themselves into his back.

By then, Marcus would have cleared the distance between himself and his opponent. He executed a forehand slash with his right blade, aiming his knife at Valentin’s neck. If his kunai were successful in striking Valentin from behind, the hollow should be too distracted to properly dodge or block. The plan certainly was not foolproof, but it was a sufficient initiation, and Marcus was not putting himself into too dangerous of a position. At least not yet.

Reiatsu Remaining: 1900/2500 (-200 for fullbring level 1)

Fullbring Level 1: 1/10

Return: 3/4

[Valentin Acciai]

His foe visibly stirred by the blatant lie, as if anything else could be expected from any intelligent hollow Valentin had sought to capitalize on his foe's error in believing him. But rather than do as he said it seemed the human had another way of dealing with the imaginary danger, or was just willing to fight despite it like some battle crazed fool, either way it annoyed the Adjuchas a little that he didn't convince the man to stab himself. He did get to see something interesting regardless though, looking at the transformed knives with a keen interest ''That there, that's a fullbring right? i've heard about those. Supposedly created when spiritually able humans survive a hollow att... Oh, well that explains why you hate my guts, don't it?''

The Adjuchas had intended to jump back into an Ulcera once more as the Fullbringer came charging at him yet again but this time Valentin wasn't so lucky as to make an easy escape, the blades digging into his back with the counterforce of them preventing his own momentum to move back ''Kkrak-!'' was the hideous noise the hollow spat out in surprise when the blades dug into his flesh. Fully unprepared for the trap that had been sprung Valentin knew only that his foe was ahead of him and despite the pain in his back Valentin attempted to protect himself as best he could, only barely managing to stop the blade from entering his neck, a hole right through his forearm being the price as he had closed his arm inwards for a makeshift shield.

The hollow's tail as quickly as it was able tried to slither around and bind the enemy's torso or even just arm if possible in the confusion to keep the human from running as Valentin would drop his sword and attempt to grapple the human, hold onto his wrists and attempt to fall over him with his heavier body to pin him in place. Regardless of the outcome Valentin would utter the same words as he would take no further action to harm the man, just holding him in place, if it had been successful that is. ''STOP FIGHTING! STOP MOVING! STOP BEING A ROYAL PAIN IN MY ARSE I JUST SAID HELLO YOU CUNTFUCKERING RACIST!'' the hollow would spit out angrily before continuing in a more calm pace somewhat mockingly ''Let's rephrase that, hi! i'm Valentin. I didn't eat any of your family members, my preferred diet is other hollows and i enjoy not murdering everyone i see in sight like some bloody psychopath. And you are?'' of course if the Fullbringer managed to not get caught by Valentin to begin with and was about to tear him a new hole then the Adjuchas would once more try to flee into the safety of an Ulcera, hopefully with less knives behind him.


-75 Organic Generation (back and arm)

1175/1450 

[Marcus Cole]

''That there, that's a fullbring right? i've heard about those. Supposedly created when spiritually able humans survive a hollow att... Oh, well that explains why you hate my guts, don't it?'' Marcus clenched his teeth as he battled his rage, flashbacks of his parents falling into the hands of that demonic hollow flickering between his thoughts. It had been over ten years, but that kind of pain never leaves. No, it lives inside Marcus like a parasite, occasionally flaring as it did now while he faced off against this other hollow. His body was tired, but as long as that anger burned within him, he wouldn't give in to his pleading heart.

The slap of the kunai against the hollow's back triggered a small sense of satisfaction within the fullbringer, but he didn't have time to enjoy it for long. The hollow was successful in stopping his slash with its arm. It was a small price to pay considering the creature's regeneration abilities. Marcus knew he would have to do more. Still, his fullbring's ability was then applied to Valentin through the contact. An intangible string formed between his right knife and the hollow's left arm. This string wouldn't interact with the world what-so-ever, so it would have little effect on the exchange. But Marcus's fullbring was unique in that it took time to prepare. He'd find the string useful in the future. Speaking of strings, there was still a string connected Marcus's left knife to the ground about 40 feet behind him. Valentin lacked the energy sensory to see either of these strings, but he'd realize that something was wrong in due time.

The fullbringer didn't resist as the hollow wrapped its tail around Marcus. Instead, he simply took a moment to inhale. Breath, he thought to himself, attempting to smother the angry fire within him with a calm demeanor. He had mixed success in doing so, but considering the fast-paced nature of the battle, he didn't have time to completely relax. This was his opportunity to try that technique one more time. If only he could harness and control that electric energy, he might be able to channel it within him and launch a surprise counterattack against Valentin. For a brief moment, Marcus's reiatsu surged within him. However, the result was anticlimactic. All that his reiatsu spawned was a few blue sparks of energy that sizzled into the air the moment they formed.

Marcus's effort had clearly failed, and Valentin had no problem grabbing Marcus's arms and pinning him to the ground. But Marcus wasn't about to give up. He still had a way to free himself. Through the contact between his body and Valentin's tail, he created a reiatsu imprint along the hollow's tail. Through this imprint, Marcus executed a technique unique to him alone - one that had probably acted as his signature technique over the years. Valentin would feel a force of 300 applied along the length of his tail. It was as if he had been punched with 300 strength by Marcus's body, except Marcus hadn't moved.

Taking advantage of the pain the hollow felt as his tail's grip around him was loosened, Marcus began to use his fullbing's powers. Remember that string between his left blade and the ground behind him? Marcus had the ability to attach Valentin to that string, for the hollow was within one foot of Marcus's left blade. But attaching things to his strings was only the first step. Marcus could then choose to give them a speed and direction along the string. Now that Valentin's grip was loose, Marcus sent the creature flying at 300 speed toward the ground behind them. Valentin's body would drag along the ground as he moved until he had eventually reached the end of the string. Marcus would get up in this time, and, preparing to reengage, decided to release Valentin from the string. The hollow was free to get up.

''STOP FIGHTING! STOP MOVING! STOP BEING A ROYAL PAIN IN MY ARSE I JUST SAID HELLO YOU CUNTFUCKERING RACIST!'' More out of curiosity than respect, Marcus gave the hollow a chance to speak. ''Let's rephrase that, hi! i'm Valentin. I didn't eat any of your family members, my preferred diet is other hollows and i enjoy not murdering everyone i see in sight like some bloody psychopath. And you are?'' Marcus hadn't met a non-murderous hollow in his time hunting them. For that reason, he was skeptical of Valentin. The fullbringer wanted so badly to beat the creature down and end its life, but his tired lungs and body were fairly convincing. He decided that he could rest for a few seconds only to hear the hollow out.

"Marcus," he answered bluntly. The man's voice was stoic and emotionless. It was very clear to Valentin that Marcus had little interest in talking to it. "Why should I trust you?" The question was quite simple, and Marcus didn't expect Valentin to provide a compelling answer what-so-ever. He had just met Valentin after all, so regardless of race, there was no legitimate reason that Marcus could put his faith in a complete stranger. Still, the race dynamic didn't help either. Marcus decided that he would give the hollow a chance, but he didn't care to make the chance very fair. Once he recovered his breath, he was determined to resume the battle once more. That is, unless the hollow could convince him not to.

Reiatsu Remaining: 1800/2500 (-100 for Shadow Punch)

Fullbring: 2/10

String Connections:
Ground to Left Knife
Valentin's Left Arm to Right Knife

[Valentin Acciai]

This was Valentin's first time seeing a fullbring and the Adjuchas already hated everything about it. Sure it was relatively, even overwhelmingly harmless from what the hollow had seen so far but hell it was annoying perhaps more annoying than even Valentin himself. The hollow wasn't quite sure what the ability even was but for some reason things that weren't supposed to move did move, and quite painfully at that. Having successfully avoided having his throat cut and the Fullbringer's clothes ruined with his life essence Valentin had attempted to hold the violent man in place to force some sense into him but the man was far too slippery despite the success in locking him in place.

Without the man even moving a painful blow struck against Valentin's tail, bones breaking and internal bleeding erupting inside of him as the pain caused the hollow a lap of concentration which the human took full advantage of. His tail loosened from the man that strange ability tore Valentin away as the hollow had not the strength to resist the force that pulled him and was dragged back, claws digging into the earth and causing deep grooves in the dirt as if a plow had been dragged through. Resistance was futile however as Valentin was pulled all the way back to the place where the dagger had touched before for whatever reason the force that pulled him back disappeared and the hollow got back on his feet.

Having shouted out his strong dislike for the human's behaviour and reintroduced himself there appeared to have been the smallest hint of success with the human at least having halted his charge, the response he received though let Valentin know what was quite obvious to all spiritual beings, nobody trusts a hollow, and it was sensible to think so. Still, Valentin saw no reason to waste this opportunity he had received. He expected to fail like so many other times he had tried to interact on friendlier terms but the Adjuchas was still a positive one ''Alright, first things first. There is no neurotoxin, i just said that to get you to leave me the hell alone.''

Lifting up his busted tail that was in the middle of regenerating from it's wounds Valentin pulled off one of the freshly regenerated spikes he had fired at the Fullbringer earlier with his hand and held the small thing up and broke it in two, revealing a fleshy pink inside. ''Only thing these spikes are capable off are healing the injuries of others as i will it, so you haven't really been poisoned.'' he said before dropping the two pieces to the ground ''Second piece of evidence, remember how i grabbed onto you with my claws and not even giving you a scratch, how i squeezed around you with my tail without impaling you on my thorns? if i wanted you dead that would have been my golden opportunity.'' he said with a raised eyebrow as if questioning Marcus lack of attention

''Now that we have that part out of the way let me tell you about hollows from a first hand source. You hate us yes, and sensibly so as most of us go about killing people indiscriminately. But perhaps you've noticed that those fellows are rather weak, grunts not even capable of coherent speech, much less any sentience beyond that of a beast yes?'' the Adjuchas continued while gesturing with his hands ''Thing is, the more a hollow eats the more sentience it develops and feelings follow along that growth almost as if hollow are grasping for the humanity they've lost, doesn't that seem plausible?'' Valentin said as his hand wandered to his chest, his clawed fingers holding onto the hollow hole placed at his chest, the clear sign to all that something was permanently gone from his kind. 

''See the reason I've no interest in eating you nor most humans is that along with my sentience i became plagued with memories of a person who died approximately eighty years ago. They're flawed and many pieces remain missing but i remembered his name, Valentin. And i remember the faces of each and every one of his family, but not their names. I remember the torture he suffered, i suffered after my death, chains tearing open my chest and robbing me of everything that made me human.'' the hollow stated with an expression that showed a hint of anger as well as regret over what his chatty mouth was about to say next, this particular part being a touchy memory for the creature.

''You see the most detailed memory i possess happens to be the one where i tear out my own elder sister's throat in a thirsting frenzy, feasting on her corpse as my mind declined into base savagery with the taste driving me mad. The memory of her eyes begging to be answered why she had to die is what stills my hand when it desires to render flesh, the shame i feel as a brother to have failed in protecting my family from myself, will that do for an explanation of trust?'' the hollow asked, taking out a few of his personal problems at Marcus in his own frustrations. 


-100 Organic Generation (tail)

1075/1450

[Marcus Cole]

''Alright, first things first. There is no neurotoxin, i just said that to get you to leave me the hell alone.'' Marcus’s eyebrows bent inward into a sharp V. He clearly wasn’t happy to hear that he had been duped by the Arrancar, but in reality, the absence of the neurotoxin was a blessing. Had it truly existed, he’d probably have been paralyzed and at Valetin’s mercy. Still, he wasn’t pleased to find out that Valentin had deceived him.

''Only thing these spikes are capable off are healing the injuries of others as i will it, so you haven't really been poisoned.'' Marcus wasn’t sure how truthful the hollow was. He was going to test Valentin’s goodwill and honesty. “If it heals, then heal me,” he said, pointing toward the spike embedded in his left thigh. He didn’t actually expect Valentin to mend his wound, but it was worth a shot. Truth be told, that gesture would go a long way in winning Marcus over.

Valentin also mentioned that he could’ve killed Marcus earlier. Well, that was partially true. He certainly didn’t try to kill Marcus, but the fullbringer didn’t like to think that he’d go down so easily. Still, this wasn’t a contest of strength, so Marcus suppressed his competitive nature and listened with an open mind – or as open a mind as he could. He still viewed Valentin as a vile monster, and it would take much more to convince him otherwise.

Now, Marcus was actually interested to hear about how hollow mature. From his experience, the smarter hollow were typically more powerful. He associated strength with intellect. Now, however, he was realizing that it was less about the hollow’s own strength and more about how many others it had consumed. ''Thing is, the more a hollow eats the more sentience it develops and feelings follow along that growth almost as if hollow are grasping for the humanity they've lost, doesn't that seem plausible?'' Marcus didn’t answer. Truth be told, he wasn’t sure how to. He had considered hollows to be incapable of showing humanity, yet Valentin challenged that notion.

Marcus had no words to share, so he stood still and listened. Listened as the hollow before him poured his heart out. He could feel the heavy guilt in Valentin’s voice as the hollow shared this memory, the memory he chose to define himself with. Valentin must have had so many souls inside him, souls he had at one point killed and devoured to satisfy his own hunger. He claims he didn’t know any better at the time, and Marcus didn’t have a hard time believing that. He saw hollows as animals, and only a few had become smart enough to transcend and suppress their animalistic instincts.

But now that Valentin could reflect on that past as an intellectual being, he felt remorse? Marcus didn’t want to believe the hollow. He wanted to continue the fight and do his best to break Valentin’s mask. He wanted Valentin to fight back, trying to wrap his thorny tail around Marcus and stab him through the heart. But the authenticity in Valentin’s voice made it hard to complete discard the hollow’s words. Maybe, just maybe, he really didn’t mean Marcus – or anybody else, for that matter, harm.

“Okay,” Marcus began, carefully piecing together his next sentence. He was a little stumped on how to proceed. He rarely let a hollow out of his sight alive if he could help it, but Valentin just might be the exception. But Marcus wasn’t the one who initiated their exchange. Well, he did start the battle. But Valentin was the one who approached Marcus first. The man only assumed that the hollow had picked him as his next meal, but it seemed that he was wrong. “If you don’t want to eat me, then why are you here?”

Fullbring: 3/10

[Valentin Acciai]

Healing him? That seemed a reasonable thing to do if Valentin wanted to prove himself true in his desire not to fight Marcus. Activating the spike lodged in the Fullbringers leg the bone surface of the spike became soft as the material flowed into the wound and placed itself in over, the material fusing with the man as muscles knit themselves together at a rapid pace and hairless skin soon covered it, no trace of the wound remaining "will that do? I can also cure dismemberment and busted or missing organs too, although you don't seem to be lacking any" the hollow said just a little prideful in his tone over the helpful ability he possessed.

After having told his all too common tale with an uncommon result it seemed to have won the man over, or at least left him conflicted. At any rate he was glad that part was over, he really didn't like to dwell on those memories. Another question was asked of Valentin, a logical one. Now why had the Adjuchas decided to bother him in the first place? Pointing towards a muddy puddle the frame of a book poked out "On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin, I was intending to read it. Finding you was just a chance encounter, how was I not supposed to investigate someone foolishly letting their reiatsu out like that? especially in a place like Karakura. You could have attracted a pack of hollows irony as it is for me to say it or worse yet, Quincy."

The Adjuchas spoke that last part with contempt, with the vague knowledge Valentin had he knew not there was a difference between regular Quincy and the Vanderreich. He knew death by a shinigami would simply mean rebirth to a weak form but to be shot down by Quincy arrows? That would mean permanent death, complete erasure of the soul and that frightened him. But on more relevant matters he continued to explain "Still I guess that doesn't explain why I bothered you in the first place does it? I could very well just have stayed hidden after all. To be completely honest it was boredom, pure and simple." he said as he threw the man his spine forged sword and pulled the daggers from his back and threw them back as well and regenerated from his wounds "You have no idea what poor company other hollow make."



-75 Organic Generation

1000/1450 Reiatsu

[Marcus Cole]

Marcus pulled the spike out of his leg as soon as he felt some material from it begin coursing through his leg. He was still skeptical about Valentin’s abilities, but, to his surprise, a warmth began to spread through his thigh. At an superhuman speed, the threads of muscle that had been cut began to weave themselves together once more. His skin closed as well, healing so perfectly that there was no sign of injury whatsoever. No marks or scarring. It was as if he wasn’t injured at all.

"On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin, I was intending to read it. Finding you was just a chance encounter, how was I not supposed to investigate someone foolishly letting their reiatsu out like that? especially in a place like Karakura. You could have attracted a pack of hollows irony as it is for me to say it or worse yet, Quincy." Marcus wasn’t amused. He simply nodded in silent agreement. Both hollows and Vandenreich quincy were serious threats, so he might have been a bit reckless in training at his old circus grounds. His emotional attachment to that particular trapeze clouded his judgement.

"Still I guess that doesn't explain why I bothered you in the first place does it? I could very well just have stayed hidden after all. To be completely honest it was boredom, pure and simple." Marcus eyed the hollow skeptically. Due to his own prejudice, he found himself questioning every word out of Valentin’s mouth. Trust was not a gift Marcus extended very easily, especially not to hollows. But he’d give Valentin a chance.

The fullbringer’s blades shrunk to their original size as clipped them to his waist. He had deactivated his release. “Okay.” Marcus looked Valentin up and down, studying the creature before him. Based on their last combat exchange, he could tell that Valentin was fairly strong in battle. That was always a beneficially trait, especially when it’s not being used against him. But perhaps Valentin could fight on his side. “So you just go around eating other hollows to keep yourself alive? Or is there something that you’re trying to accomplish?”

[Valentin Acciai]

Seeing Marcus pull the spike out as soon as he felt something happen the Hollow was disappointed, sure the wound healed just fine but it was just in the nick of time for the organic part of the spike to enter Marcus body, leaving the husk of bone as the Fullbringer threw it away ''Oh it's great when you ask me to heal you but then you chicken out...'' the Adjuchas said with a bit of venom to his voice ''that spike is the beacon that directs my ability to heal you, luckily enough of it entered you for it to function but had you dragged it out a moment earlier you would have wasted my efforts.'' Valentin's mood had been fouled by this just a little but in the spirit of peace and understanding he shook his head as if to shake the bad thoughts away.

The conversation continuing Valentin felt relief wash over him when Marcus deactivated his Fullbring and slipped his knives back where they belonged, yes finally someone would bloody listen to him instead of stabbing through sheer survival instinct! it was a big step for the irregular hollow and Valentin showed it, committing his body to a playful fist pump of success as he then stood straight and answered Marcus stare with his own, purple irises with a white sclera looking back at him with a sentience unsuited to a hollow. A small sign of the Adjuchas approaching greater heights in it's evolution. “Okay.” Marcus had said, and with such a brief word Marcus had Valentin's full attention, the hollow knowing something important would follow.

“So you just go around eating other hollows to keep yourself alive? Or is there something that you’re trying to accomplish?” if there was something Valentin wanted to accomplish with his menial existence? there most certainly was. Perhaps a bit too energetically he shook his hands above his head in a strong gesture as he almost shouted out his reply with gusto ''Well of course!'' he said aloud as if it was the most obvious thing to ever have been said, and to Valentin it most certainly was! ''Of course there is something i seek to accomplish with this pointless existence of mine!'' he stated further as he swung his arms open fiercely in gestures learned from watching the speeches of Hitler himself, charming man he certainly was, a bit murderously crazy though with the whole war thing, but certainly charismatic.

Slowly those arms lowered themselves in a drawn out cinematic fashion as they returned back down to his hip ''I do not want to be a monster.'' he stated seriously ''I have been one for over seventy years now and with every passing one as i grow more sentient i suffer further. I hate being what i am, in fact i wish i was a human again, unaware of this whole mess. I want the hunger that tears at me to end, to not have to look at people and wonder how they will taste as i walk past them holding back.'' he took a pause as his mind directed itself to a brighter thing, his goal. 

''Arrancar, it's as close as i will ever get to being human. I'm told the hunger will end then so that is what i strive towards, of course i know most still hate Arrancar as well but it would be easier for people like yourself to trust perhaps even to relate to someone that at least looks human wouldn't it? were it not for the promise of one day getting to wear human skin again instead of these cruel claws that i cannot tear off i would likely have let myself be slain by some nobody Shinigami at this point.'' he said quite seriously, allowing himself to dream a little of what he might look like one day, if he survived to see his goals accomplished. He remembered his hair was brown back then when he was human and so were his eyes, his face that of a handsome youth who could woe most girls with a shining smile. Whatever he would look like when he became Arrancar he would settle for, if he were to look completely average it would still be beautiful to him compared to that hideous mask stuck to his face.