What We Go on to Build... [Joint Training]

[Aura Kyuketsuki]

The time had come to really put all that talking to action now. For too long the Bounts have been without a place to go to. A place to call home for all of them. Some time passed really before Aura took on Eris' invite over to her place, seeing her reaction, and what it meant after she told her who she was. Aura was making the change thanks to Zaluu. She was given a second chance and she wasn't going to waste it by remaining idle, pretending to be something that she was not. A Bount; that was what Aura truly is, and will ever be. But, that also meant that she was able to choose what sort of Bount she will be. On that matter, only time would truly tell, and she was done waiting. Doing nothing wasn't gonna show who she was going to be, and for her to find the results that she was looking for, she sought out Eris.

From what she could remember, Eris was very direct, though at times sympathetic. She didn't know her a lot know given she was under the influence of her Osen. But, there were some parts that she could still remember in her stupor. They needed to talk, and what Eris proposed was something that Aura found herself agreeing with. For that reason, they needed to wait for Leon to show up, which didn't take too long. Aura didn't know when he made contact with her, but he certainly did with a bit of purpose behind it. So, together they made a plan. Aura pointed out the fact that the Bounts needed a place to grow, and prosper. Eris knew of a location that would be most suitable for their race to begin that long path. And Leon had a desire to push for the Bounts security, despite perhaps not wanting an involvement in future relations. Still, it was something that they can go on, especially with her friend Zaluu coming with them.

The place that Eris told them about was located in the outskirts of Karakura Town, beyond the tree lines near the ocean. It was off of a cliff ridge, at a small cove that resided at the base of the cliff. Good thing the day was nice and sunny, so it helped with finding it. The walk was long, pushing through the trees. The day was mildly heated with the Sun completely uncovered over their head. The only shade that was present was from the brush from the tree branches. The group had to get here by bus, and walked the remainder of the way before reaching the sea of trees. This place seemed to be out of anyone's way, and truly a bit off setting since it seemed to be isolated. So, it made it a bit sketchy to be honest, almost as if Eris wanted to kill them and leave them out here to die.

Aura went light in terms of gear, since Eris had already told them. Jogging pants back from Karakura High School, although they really didn't fit her much anymore, so she was filling it. A white P.E t-shirt, with a red jogging jacket. Since they were going to investigate a location that resided mostly outdoors, the Bount didn't want to ruin any clothing that she would being wearing in the near future. "Eris, where is this place? Are you sure we are not lost?" Aura was hoping that the answer she gave was at least in confidence. Despite being rid of the Osen, she didn't want to stay out in the woods. More so because she didn't want the Shinigami or any other race to come by and try to pick them off. Not only that, but seeing that she sent an invitation to Zaluu, in order to help them build, she would at least want to begin as soon as possible rather than spending the whole day trying to find it. "I think we should stay in this opening before we move out. At least we have some shade under the trees."

Aura had been keeping her spiritual pressure surpressed for as long as she can remember this day. Her Dolls had not been finish mending themselves after being stripped of her Osen. So, she didn't want to get into a fight just yet, though her abilities were still very much usable at the very least. For that reason lot of her fighting capabilities were limited, and didn't want to engage their enemies just yet. However, it did present an opportunity to really stretch her body out, and learn to use what she has.

[Eris Discordia]

To say she was surprised would be an understatement. She knew at one point or another that she would run into the pair she met that night. Their overall nature could not keep them away from each other. Their bond as Bounts would only serve to draw them towards one another, searching for those who can understand them. At least, that is what Eris thought. It was sooner than expected, but not unwelcomed. Yet, what truly surprised her was the change that occurred with Aura. Her reiatsu felt the same as it ever did. Presence wise, it was to be expected considering that people can not change their nature quite so easily. But, when looking into it, the emotions that it emitted from Aura seemed to be firmer, focused, and forward. Her spirit changed into something seemingly more confident than before, thus altering her physical form. The essence of the hunger that was there before was more calm. It lingered as it did before, but controlled. So, it was accepted.

Perhaps this was the form that Aura was meant to take on from the beginning, since her conception. Whatever Soul Society did to Aura was no longer in place, controlling her. Now, she was in control, and did as she pleased. Aura finally awakened into a true individual Bount, just like Eris. The only change that stood in front of her when compared to the man who stood next to her. Leon was another individual who knew about their kind, although his own nature was more or less a mystery. But, she was certain. An assumption, a theory, or perhaps just a feeling. What reiatsu that Leon provided was similar to that of their own. This much she can tell by being in his presence for a prolonged period of time. Yet, he still had not realized it himself, nor was there solid evidence to prove his race identity.

Nonetheless, their visit to her Condo was most welcomed as now they can move forward in restoring the Bount race. Aura wanted the same, while Leon simply wished to help to do what can be done. This was their reason for being in her home. All the reason why their meeting was to be in the forest in the outskirts of Karakura. This forest was the closest means of cover near the location that Eris spoke of. The location that she investigated some time ago was beyond the forest. "It's beyond the forest, over the edge of a cliff. It is a cavern at the bottom of the cliff, and it is large enough to fit a ship into from what I can see. It's depth, however, I am not certain of yet." she replied back to Aura with a bit more than what she would hope for.

Aura added an opinion onto the matter, seeing that not everyone was in tuned to what they were going to do. Eris wasn't one with Engineering knowledge, but thinking that Leon would have a better idea on how to turn the cavern into a fortress, or at least a home for themselves. The Bounts would need a place to gather and thrive if they were going to continue living. This was the idea of looking into places such as the cavern; for the future of all Bounts. Too long that the Bounts have wandered about without a place to call a home. Too long have they gone around without a purpose or a family. With this new base, the Bounts will have somewhere to go to, and to help increase their numbers. Perhaps one day to even be utilized to face off against Soul Society, and any of those who would try to bring ruin to Karakura.

The Bount woman stood silently, feeling the course of the wind, and the feelings that were carried in it. Eris couldn't sense the reiatsu in the air. If Humans were around, then she would feel traces of emotions tethered by the winds. And if there were, and if there were people or creatures around. Some feeling she would get from her environment to tell if there were people around. From the moments of waiting and sensing, Eris could feel no one around. No life forms that could muster up a reasonable thought. The path ahead of them would be clear. All they needed to do was proceed and investigate the cavern to decide if it was well enough to use.

[Leon Strife]

Leon may as well be painted the same color as Eris, considering the girl that he met in the Gym that day turned out to be a full grown woman now. Considering what she was, the very nature of her people he could safely assume that she was older than both himself and their host. Aura's appearance had changed, along with portions of her demeanor. An upright woman as majestic as someone who was raised by an Elitist, or perhaps another form of Blue Collar. Now he would think this to himself while looking at her new physical characteristics, but he knew better than to expect much than what he already knew about her. Aura would fall flat on maintaining this sort of composure and face when she wasn't comfortable with it. Meaning she was use to acting in a particular way considering she never really had a reason to do so, so her act will dissipate with some time in public.

He sighed, much like the disappointment when learning a good movie that was hyped suddenly turned sour, and leaving a terrible review behind after so much effort was put into it. Essentially making an "A" rank movie turn to that of "C" rank. Thanks a lot Last Jedi for such a leaving such an impression now that he is starting to see it on Aura's overall change. He digressed. Leon's fingers tapped along the inner rim of the bus' window as it was coming to a stop. His hoodie slacked a bit away from his shoulders as he pulled up on his jeans. The man had to fix them after slouching a bit from the Bus ride, and they are often not comfortable as they would want everyone to believe in so.

The meeting spot was located on the outskirts of Karakura, a particular spot that Eris told him and Aura to meet at. A place that would be close to where they needed to go in order set them right on top of their travel point. The forest was that meeting stop, and a good place to do so as the Sun was nearly at its brightest point. In other words, it was hot. Only took a few moments down the path through the forest to find the pair already waiting. So he was the last to arrive with Aura already complaining about having to wait, and wondering where the location was. Where it was didn't matter, at least to degree, as he was there to help the Bounts, and seeing that this was suppose to be a secret base that there had to be some traveling involved to keep it so. Plus, it would be ideal to make it under the most stable of conditions rather than somewhere that would eventually crumble with some wear and tear to its foundation.

After meeting up Eris would take the lead. Their journey would take them away from the path, completely into the woods where the path was one that the adventurers had to forge their own path. The ground here became uneven as the levels rose and dropped from the rooting of the hundreds of trees that surrounded them. Looking around, Leon already thought to himself on how the woods made for a good screen in keeping where it was that Eris led them to hidden. The thick layer of trees kept anyone using their eyes to see beyond, along with the uneven footing every inch off the path made it difficult to move around fluidly. If Leon was going to set up an ambush for intruders, it would be here either from the air, or from underground. Running would be made impossible here, and even dodging carelessly would cause the individual to fly into a tree, or into a more dire situation than before.

An hour is how long it took to navigate through the off road venture, and out past the wood's edge out into a clearing. A grassy meadow that was surrounded by the wood's edge, overlooking a cliff out to the ocean. The breeze here was strong, chilled, and full of the ocean's aroma that crossbred with the flowers that decorated the meadow in a rainbow array of colors. "Is this it?" he looked to Eris, but noticed that her gaze was more keen to the edge of the ridge. He wondered. Walking closer to the ridge, his eyes managed to spot a stone shore down below. A bit away, further he could see it. A pit of darkness that made the man believe to be a cavern of some sort. Was this where Eris wanted to go?

[Eris Discordia]

After their travel through the condense tree lines of the woods did they finally arrive at the cliff that she sighted some time ago. A cliff that over looked a cove, which tunneled into the rock formation. It was a large cave, though, Eris was not certain how deep the cave was. But, that didn't matter. The group would have sufficient amount of power to dig further in. First, they had to investigate it to see what they were dealing with entirely. That would be the first thing to do, and the man Leon would be of use in its structural design. Aura had mentioned she had a friend who operated a Club of some sort. A place for beings like them would often congregate to for thrills and spectacles. She herself had never been to such a place before. Somewhere that all manner of beings managed to reside without destroying each other. She would hope that this "Taka" person would be here to render some assistance. For all Bounts to meet and live, and not to harass those within the boundaries of Karakura.

Hopefully Aura managed to send a form of invite as they had days before coming to this place. However, they could not wait forever, and must venture forward. They would have to scale down to the cove below. A steep drop from where they stood. The waters surrounding the entrance could be deemed shallow, so falling near the entrance would be ill advised. Some distance would have to be made to make it to deeper waters for a safe plummet, at least for their kind, or other entities with stronger physical frames. Regular Humans would be easily injured from the fifty foot drop if they did not land properly, or if smashed into the rocks. Even if they had survived, and were injured, the injuries would surely get to them not before long. Isolated, and hurt, a Human would surely die there.

That is why the very words her mother spoke all those times in defense of her family came to her lips. The words that are uttered to defend the Bounts, and the lives they wished to protect. "It is time... Ziege Dich, Mako.!" she came to call upon. The metallic wristband came to life as the metal ring was encrusted with a small jewel. It rang with reiatsu coursing through its material, and roared shortly to life. The entire structure vanished as it took on a new shape. The reiatsu called upon the gate for the Doll to reveal itself in the form of their pact. Between the Bount and the Doll.

The armlet dissolved and broke away from her arm to remold itself in the form in which aligned with their pact. Bright as a small star, the light climbed before spreading itself out to taking its physical form. Two wings sprouted from its sides and another appendage that represented it's tail. It's head expanded out from the front as the beast finally completed its outline before blurring into perspective for the trio. Eris' Doll took to the stage as it hovered away from the cliff's edge. The Wyvern emerged from the light and with it's words, blessed them. [color=sapphire}"Eris, do you honestly require my assistance for this?"[/color] The Bount stepped forward, "You already know the the answer to that question, Mako. You know I would not have you here present if I didn't need your help." Even if the other two did not see or hear, Eris and Mako are always in constant communication. Aura would know this better than anyone.

The bond between Doll and Bount is everlasting. No matter what form and shape the Doll will take on, their connection is always there. Mind, body, and spirit. The two are separate entities, but always connected to one another. Thus, making them of one mind, body, and spirit. A cycle of destruction would befall either one should their existence no longer continue to roam their world. They needed each other. [color=magenta}"I ask this of you again, Mako. Please help us."[/color] She could hear the Doll's thoughts that surged through it's mind, just as well as she could do the same with Eris. Nothing can be hidden, and Mako knew of what Eris spoke of, of what here memories showed her, this was essential to the Bounts. She just had to make it clear for the others. "Alright. I'll lead you all down one at a time. I am currently not strong enough to escort more than a single person down below. Afterwards, I will linger and see what is needed to be done."

The Doll would fulfill what she said that she would do, and aid the group to travel to the cave down below. Another step closer to building a home for the Bounts. A stronghold for them to rebuild their race the way that it should be.

[Aura Kyuketsuki]

The large serene Doll that Eris called upon provided the extra hand that the trio needed to get down below. Surprisingly enough that she saw that the Doll was obedient, but at the same time had a sense that they did butt heads. That was the impression that was being given to the girl while she was being lowered down onto the patch of rocks. The Doll lifted, raising back up to the cliff to bring the other two down to meet up. While that happened Aura took it upon herself to have a look around. The entrance was massive. Looking up and down it's height, and she wasn't really good with measurements, all she could think of it being was around thirty to forty feet high. Give or take of course but that was what it just seemed like to her. A few spikes lined the roof of the entry overhead. It was too dark to see from the outside, at least until she made her way a bit past the entrance.

Few pebbles and smaller rocks were kicked about as she treaded slowly inside. Her eyes scanned the large chamber like opening, almost like a amphitheater. The entrance was pretty much the smaller opening before it panned out into a much wider space. Stone columns holding the formation along with the natural Stagletites and Stalagmites molded into one another to create a stronger foundation to support the roof. The air was a bit damp, but seemingly dry the further she traveled inside. The entire path that they traveled through, the woods and the bus stop, seemed to be over head. Wow, the cave was really like a cavern. Some parts seemingly that could be expanded upon to make more room at least until they probably have to dig to burrow deeper into the Earth.

Like really, this place had a lot of potential the more she looked at it. Eris had done a good job looking for something like this, and with a bit more time they could turn it into a safe haven for their race. She was actually giddy about it in some ways, and wondered if Zaluu would have some more ideas to help expand it in terms of operations for a cover to better protect this new environment. Perhaps even a way to help draw the attention of those Bounts who may be wandering around in the world. Yeah, something like that. A means to gather the wild Bounts and bring them to their new home. A smile came across her face, seeing the potential of what the cavern could easily become with a bit elbow grease.

[Leon Strife]

His feet finally touched the ground as the Aura had already on ahead of the newly arriving pair. Ahead of him resided the large cavern that continued to stretch further inward. The height from the ridge and to the small cove the man saw as a means of an advantage in keeping it a secret. Though at the same time Leon was mainly concerned on how to get back if the creature that Eris called upon was trustworthy. Beyond that, when walking further into the cave he felt his imagination already going into overdrive. Honestly, with some work done, the entire cave system can be turned into a fortress rather than that of a home based on the desires of what Eris was expressing. He didn't feel right about making a place that would be used for a war base. However, it still came to fit into the main idea of creating a home for the Bount race; a place that a dying race can find some means of salvation.

Each aspect he looked at he could see vantage points and areas that can be used to forge into homes for families. An area for residence, one for business, one for some place to be used as an Infirmary, and other places for whatever the Bounts chose to use them for. Fat columns that could be carved out and make stairs or some ledges for lookouts. Dents into the walls could easily be made into tunnels and possibly lead into more rooms, or possibly needing to carve rooms out. Ugh, parts of his mind were going back to how things were back in America. He didn't want to back into that mind set, but seeing the different possibilities it kept creeping back.

He shook his head back and forth to shake the thoughts out of his head. They crept up nonstop, seemingly more often now as the more he got involved with the Bounts. The tingling sensation he felt that night with the two women. It returned, feeling it in his finger tips and nerves. He looked more, deeper following Aura's foot steps seeing her ahead. "What do you think?" he heard coming from behind him. The woman that led them here, Eris, she stood behind him asking of his own personal thoughts. All he could response with was, "We should get to work because there is surely a lot of it ahead of us." he cracked a smile.

[Eris Discordia]

Jets of water concentrated and streamed from the ocean and into the cavern. Beads of the oceans flow past the Bount's head in the desired direction of their will as the two were united as one in thought. Both Bount and Doll operating in tangent to break through the first of many obstacles that was set before them. This was just beginning of it all. A means to create a future for all Bounts that would be in need of their help. For those who were lost, and for those who had no place to call home. Time was endless for their race, yet, as it stood time was also stolen from them all. This was something that needed to be fixed. An immediate answer for all those that needed to be heard. All Eris could do was begin the ground work for what would come.

"This is going to take a while, considering that the other two do not have the ability to call upon their Dolls as of yet." Eris couldn't agree more. Indeed, both Aura and Leon didn't have the strength to call upon their Dolls yet, or rather that they needed time to simply awaken them. Far be it from her, among the trio Aura was the strongest from what she could pick up from the girl. Rocks tumbled and splintered as the concentrated flow of water pierced through the layers of Earth. Layer after layer were being chiseled by the pressure emitted by Mako. A lost spirit that mourned from the mountain, now using the Bount's strength as its own to continue its existence. An existence that came of mutual understanding of the other, and one that was pushing for a positive future for the Bount race.

As she worked, Leon began graphing a layout of what would need demolished in order to create rooms, halls, and other foundations needed for their new Citadel. It will take time if Mako was going to be the only Doll capable of putting in effort. Still, it couldn't be helped. This made both Doll and Bount sigh at the weight in which both would have to carry. But at the same time, this very situation may be what will allow the other two to awaken their power. All they needed was just a push, and a little time. Perhaps with this construction job they will receive what is needed to awaken their potential. Though with Aura, perhaps just time to square away what may be troubling her. Eris was no psychic, but she could understand the wavelength that the Bount girl was emitting. Something was wrong considering much of her appearance had changed given the last time they spoke.

Either way, the Bount climbed, reaching up to the heights that needed to be examined. This was necessary to guide Mako and to improve their relationship all the more. Indeed that they shared each others thoughts, which can be much of a hassle as the other will be unwilling participants in the others banter. The issue resided with their ability to work together. This had to be done on the physcial plane rather than the psychological realm. Thoughts and actions can not be done down the simplest detail when it came to operating out of their own minds. This had to be done through practicality. So, it did make sense as to Eris having to direct her partner at times, and when Mako had to tell Eris when to move based her own capabilities. The two were aware of each other, but it did not count as familiarizing themselves as to what the other can do. As a result, Mako and Eris will have to spend more time with each other, and hopefully their combined presence will help jolt some action in the other two, spiritually.

"Leon. Aura. I believe it is time for you two to assist. Call upon your Dolls. Or this will take years to accomplish. Call upon them." she said.

[Leon Strife]

His mind was already put into overdrive considering that he had free reign in terms of design for the new Citadel. The infrastructure of the Bount base was primarily going to be made with the elements that they had access to. As Earth was going to be the main material that the structure was going to be made up of, there was plenty of it that he wouldn't have to worry about coming to a shortage. Digging underground was the way to go for this project as the cavern was essentially hollowed out already. This came to make the project easier to manage, yet just as difficult seeing the rock formation along the walls, and the pillars were of the key importance to insure the ceiling would not cave in. For that matter Leon had to be careful and stay mindful as to what needed to remain, and possibly consider reinforcing the pillars that were already present.

In his mind he had to consider the details as to support, structuring, and layout with what they had. Digging further in was going to the easy part, though maintaining stability was what plagued him. Thus far, digging inside will take time since Eris was the only capable Bount to summon her Doll. Terrific, just as things couldn't have become more confusing as to what Bounts are, now they are playing with beings called Dolls. This is just terrific. Being told that his race wasn't truly Human, but being a weapon made by a spiritual government whose power is to control beings referred to as "Dolls," there was only so much he can take. Couldn't the Bount creators have come up with something better to refer to their forged partners. Sigh The entire circumstances of his family, and that of himself, was utterly ridiculous that he couldn't process it all at once. But now, seeing what this Doll was and what it is capable of might not be so bad.

The man was still conflicted with the whole idea that he was a Bount, let alone being someone's or some government's weapon. He was simply himself and nothing more. His thoughts had him drift for a few moments to not realize that Eris was calling upon him. He snapped to and looked to that of the Bount woman. "Leon. Aura. I believe it is time for you two to assist. Call upon your Dolls. Or this will take years to accomplish. Call upon them." His Doll? Even if he were to acknowledge himself to be of the Bount race, for him to summon something similar to that of Eris' creation was felt to be out of reach. He didn't think of accepting his newly discovered race would insure that he would be able to summon a Doll. It would take time and some training to accomplish that. He didn't have much time to review all of the notions, rituals, or even customs of being a Bount, let alone call out one of their creations. It was simply absurd.

"What do you mean 'call upon our Dolls? Because, let us be real, I haven't had a week to really process all this." He argued. He honestly didn't have the time to go through everything that he was told during their last encounter. A week to process his entire existence was out of the question. For that to be crammed into a single week was telling him to work a solid week without a break in between. Leon was all for overtime pay, but that is at least when he was actually getting paid for the efforts. Though, if being paid was resulting in him summoning a Doll, then maybe it would be worth it. He thought about it. To have a Doll would mean that he would be able to work more effectively with an extra pair of hands. This had so many applications as to what he can do, but all things to consider as well remained a question, would the Doll even listen to him?

Seeing how Eris operated with her Doll, the two seemed to have a good relationship. Eris marched out from place to place, not seemingly towing her Doll but communicating with it, appeared to be done so possibly through years together. Like partners. Perhaps there was a mutual trust in each other? Was there a contract of some sort? Did each Doll have their own personalities? So many questions were quickly piling up in his head that they were beginning to cause a simple migraine to encroach on his pondering. He would have to put it aside for the time being until it actually did raise up. But, was he able to do so now considering all that he has been through? Years of fighting to survive on the streets of numerous gangs. Time that he had spent fighting, killing, taking, and.......sacrificing. How many years did he spent wishing he had more strength to change it all? If had that power, then perhaps his wife and child would be here now. But he didn't. Why? Why couldn't have known he had some sort of power like that back then? Why didn't his parents tell him anything about it?

A loud mechanical rumble echoed. Leon turned his head over his shoulders to the back of the cavern. Hollowed earth and dripping moist from the collective of water along the ceiling was all that he could see. There was nothing metal behind him. It echoed again, almost seemingly to be surrounding him. Something sounded like large chunks of metal was banging against each other and being dragged around him. It was surrounding him. "It's because you weren't aware of that fact. The fact that what you are really capable of. That same thought that kept us from being able to talk to you like this." That little snide comment came from behind. Another sound that he couldn't find or track down precisely. Just what the Hell is going on?

Both the Doll and Aura was continuing to go about their own business, but Eris was staring at him. He saw that her eyes were keen on him. Over himself, he knew that the voice from a moment ago didn't come from her. Although Eris appeared to be someone who would say something of the sort, her character seemed to contradict that thought. "Would you stop thinking about it and just do as she did. Say the words and we will do the rest." Say the words? The words that allowed Eris to call for her Doll? Was that what the force was suggesting? A phrase that was very much like an order for a Bount to call upon their Dolls by the looks of it from his point of view when the woman did it earlier. Could it be..."Ziege Dich."

From that moment, his body felt heavy. Something felt as if he was being stripped away from his strength. It felt as though it was leaving him to go else where. He still felt it. It was close. But even as soon as he could feel it the metallic rhythm came back again, this time forming from out of his shadow. It appeared as a three-dimensional figure that was peeling itself from the ground to expand and coil around itself. Stretching it's pitch black body it continued until a shape was made, then the details settled into its figure. That was when he saw the red eyes that looked down on him. A tripod figure, whose body was comprised of metal and gears loomed over him as though it was preparing to eat. "Control is something it seems that you lack, considering that you brought us both out. But, that isn't a surprise I guess since this is the first time you used it. Though, just be wary since now we don't have to follow your orders."

The voice came back, but this time it was closer, clearer. And it was.... He turned quickly towards his back to see that of a little girl standing before him. Covered in a yellow raincoat, her bare legs and feet were all that stuck out of the oversized jacket. Her head popped out from out top to look at the knelt man, "However, your desire should be answered with earnest and some dignity. So we won't do anything unfavorable this time around." Her cold expression remained as she spoke. Leon could tell that this was the person who was speaking to him as echos before. However, this time around she wasn't just some residue voice that called out from the back of his mind. Some moment of delusions crafted from his psyche. She, and it, were really here. "And no, we are not your delusions. We are your Dolls, regardless of how much you dislike the name we have. So I will try to refrain from using that word. Just call him Colossus, and me Sarah."

[Aura Kyuketsuki]

It was certainly something to see altogether for a Bount to call their Doll from the abyss. The experience of furthering themselves into something that their Shinigami creators always saw as a means to fight against the Hollows, but at the same time it was something that they feared too. Their summoning of the Dolls was a sign that their creations were becoming more than what they thought. Bounts becoming more powerful and more sentient to the point of self-recognition. A beginning to the end of their enslavement. Aura was actually quite happy to see that happen, but sad to hear what happened to them next. She should have known better at that time. But now she can see, without the Shinigami holding their chains, that the Bounts can become something more. That same something that the Shinigami feared that they would become. Aura can see it, the potential, seeing it in Leon with his ability to wake up the sleeping Dolls within himself. Not just one but two Dolls. Definitely a sight to see.

Both being called out with the man's latent potential, a potential that she should have known he had since their time together at the gym. His strength was more present than that of her own considering their time being alive. Eris had the same potential when she met her too. Two Bounts who were completely different from herself, two who have powers that were superior. Maybe it was because of their upbringing? Both seemed to be trained in the ways of fighting. Both were hardened in their own respective ways of living to the point that they reside in now. This was what Aura saw. Compared to them, Aura was the rookie. A young girl with little experience at living among people, and living to fight those that would stand in their way.

Aura bore witness to Leon's growth as much as she sees the bond that Eris has with her Doll. And what did she have aside from the two? Aura wasn't like them. She fed on people for the longest time. She lost control of herself and her Dolls. Between the three of them, Aura was broken. She, as the oldest, had to grow and become stronger. She couldn't allow herself to fall behind. There was still much more work to do. Her hand became a fist to smash into the rock bound wall of the cavern. Aura was marking spaces that were going to be dug into, small indicators to help put her vision altogether. The Bount had to work on something to help progress the making of their new home. At least, this was what roamed in her mind without being able to use her own Dolls. She had to practice, train herself to use what she had to work with. She couldn't let herself fall behind. It was in her hopes that with a little time her Dolls would come back as she did. And hopefully, stronger than before.

[Leon Strife]

So, these two were his Dolls. A large being that was made up of gears and machinery. A giant of sorts that nearly touched the ceiling of the cavern itself before it came to hunch over. A tripod like figure it took on with that of a rather large snapper head. Eyes that could not be seen from the Bount's angle, to which he believed them to be located by the sides of the head. Its resemblance to that of a Giant Squid was almost exact in nature to use the air to swim through, yet it showed no signs of it. Considering their environment, it would be troublesome if it did display such features if it did so beneath the Earth. If it had done so the possibility of a cave in would be all but certain, and would also make their deaths a reality. This wouldn't be ideal for any one of them.

The other took on the form of a little girl. As in the form of an actual Human being. This Leon found to be strange considering from his observations that Dolls were suppose to be creatures that were to take on monstrous, or rather inhuman forms. So, when seeing the Doll referring to itself as "Sarah," it caused a bit of confusion as to what the Dolls really were. Just what are they? "You are not wrong in the least." Sarah spoke to him again as he pondered. Her words catching him a bit off guard. "Before, what you thought about. Dolls being monstrous or being that inhuman. You are correct to assume that since we are not beings like you, however, we are constructs or extensions of yourself." An extension of himself? Wait, the Doll was responding to thoughts and ideas that were lingering in his head. HOw did she know what he was thinking?

"We can feel what you are feeling, and hear what you are thinking. Everything that you keep inside we can feel it all, and read it as if it was an open book to us." She spoke about what he recently was just wondering about, confirming them altogether. This little girl was..."And I am not a little girl too. This is just a false form that you wanted me to have at your convenience. I just do not want to give you the wrong impression thinking that this is what I really look like. Far be it from what you just thought." Like he thought. After hearing what she said a moment ago it would make a little sense. Still, he didn't know what to expect from the Dolls. He didn't know what to expect from himself either. The Dolls served as an extension of the Bounts as a separate entity that is heavily influenced by the nature of the Bounts. As a result, it would give them their appearance and their abilities. They were all linked to that of Leon. If that was really the case, then why take the forms that they have now?

He peered to Sarah, eyeing her figure and characteristics from head to toe. Some of her features did seem to be a bit familiar, as if he had seen them somewhere before. But where? "It will come to you in time. I don't believe you to be that dumb." she answered right away as his thoughts carried him elsewhere, to have him be brought back by her words. "Be careful when using too much of your strength. If you use too much energy then there is no way that we will follow you, or your desires. Right now the Colossus is only following you around right now is because I'm here, and considering that this is the first time you called us after keeping us waiting for so long." Sarah's words lingered in the Bount's ears to have him process them. Then his gaze shifted to look upon that of the mechanical beast behind him. He only had to nod his head to make allow the Doll to see his physical response as much as his mental response. There was no need to speak when they could easily read his mind. A useful method of communicating when under duress, and something that he would have to consider when the group was done with their job for the day.

He will have to work out the spiritual muscles as much as he does for his physical body. For the time being, there was work to do and little time to really linger on the workings of the Dolls. He will certainly go over the details and memorize them to heart and mind so he would not be that of an amateur when using them next time. The thought of "using them" made it sound like a young boy playing with action figures and other toys. He couldn't think that. Another aspect that the would have to recognize and look over when he had more time to himself. Little chance of that happening if his Dolls can read his mind. Could they also talk to him like before? Like before in the scenario of not being summoned. Leon's head shook. There were too many questions to be answered that it was starting to become a migraine again along the curve of his forehead.

Before he could even utter a word, Colossus' body twisted in place as it plunged its body into the far side of the cavern. The far end of the cave had boulders and rocks spit out from its hind end the further it proceeded further into the Earth. The Doll was beginning its digging operations just as Leon had thought about doing before their summoning, seemingly following the desires of the Master to the letter. All three arms sprung to life as they went ahead to clip away other rock formations along the walls to quickly form pillars and support columns. It tore through with little effort, shoveling and grinding Earth and stone into small pieces to create large and small tunnels, which surprised the Bount himself. This was just the beginning of it all. Both something amazing and terrifying, he merely looked upon the physical devastation that one single Doll could do, and believing that it wasn't even using his abilities as well. Leon could only wonder what the Dolls could really do, and see in what ways were they linked to him.

[Eris Discordia]

It would seem that the man known as Leon had some promise to him. A man who claimed to have known battle throughout his life didn't seem so far fetched now seeing the potential of calling upon his Dolls. A slight rumble of the cavern came about, a natural response when calling upon two spirits that lingered within himself out into a confined space. A risky move seeing how much space that there was without knowing the size of the Dolls. Looking to that of Mako, she is fairly large given her abilities, but enough to fit and move around their given space. This wasn't meant to say that a Dolls size is equivalent to that of their power. That sort of analysis would be prejudice to their kind and insulting their natural capabilities. Given the nature of Mako, she will be more advantageous in a number of scenarios, but of course, limited in other areas. As such, there was a need for concern for summoning the Dolls without knowing what they are capable of.

Based on what she has seen so far the man has some level of control over the pair. The mechanical beast appeared to be lingering over his body as though it were to study him. Not too surprising given it is the first summoning. Curiosity often plagues the Dolls as they too would wonder as to where they have been brought into. Circumstances and thoughts can be shielded away from the Dolls given some training and of course practice. This enables a bit of privacy when having to share thoughts with another entity that resides within one's own soul. However, luckily for Eris that Mako isn't one to socialize each and every moment. You thought of me as an irritant, did you not?" Though, there will be moments when the thoughts are managed to be recognized and read by the Dolls. For that thought the Bount apologized.

One Doll mirrored that of a large mechanical beast, and the other as a child. A small child at that. One would mistaken the child as his own if did not know better as to where the child came from. This is what made the woman a bit confused given her prior knowledge about Dolls. None to this day has she seen a Doll take on a strong human-like form. Always did the Dolls mimicked parts of their Bount Masters in terms of personality and abilities. They are a part of them so much so that they resemble that of a Shinigami's Zanpakutou. The concept is the same despite the form being very different, and yet here a Doll stood as a Human. This perhaps may be an illusion or camouflage of some sort. Eris felt that must be the case given what lingering emotions were being emitted into the air from her.

Taking note, Eris continued to go about the business of construction. Mako knew what was needed to do as so did Eris. All that can be done now is push forward and hope for the best. All they needed was the time to complete their task at hand.

[Col Arana]

I count 51 paragraphs for a total of 255 TP to both participants.