The Friend of My Enemy Is A Frenemy? [JT/Torre/Celes]

[Celes Shindazu]

It wasn't frequently that Celes would visit Karakura town. Normally it was just for idle jobs that she would perform. Tasks like defeat a Hollow or even just a simple fetch quest. This time, she was here without a care in the world, looking to just relax. As she walked through the streets, she did feel something familiar. As always it seemed to be a Hollow roaming around. Celes sighed and talked to herself. "No rest for the wicked it seems..." With a sudden dissaperance, the Shinigami would fade out of sight.

Over in another block, Celes finally reached the Hollow. It looked at her and almost hissed. It was a long, slithering snake-like hollow. She had seen these types before. It was interesting as this one also sentient as all the others she had met. This Hollow looked at her with longing, but already seemed to be opening what appeared to be a distortion. This distortion opened like a Maw in space and appeared almost like a Senkaimon. Unlike the Senkaimon it was black and dark, however. Celes felt like she couldn't just let it get away.

Celes quickly used her Shunpo to leap over it, aiming for its mask. Her Zanpakutou was facing down, ready to strike the mask as it quickly slid into the Garganta. Celes ended catching the Hollow, but not around the mask as her Zanpakutou became stuck. In fact, she was being dragged along into the Garganta as she screamed, unsure of what to expect. The hollow noticed her, but did not seem to do anything as almost in a flash, both of their bodies, one bloodied ended up on the sand of the White Desert.

Celes falling against the sand, huffed as she quickly used another Shunpo to get her blade from the Hollow. As she placed her foot against its cool skin, she heaved and quickly grabbed it from the Hollow who screamed in response. It was actually quite exhilerating to hear it. Celes quickly jumped backwards as the Hollow looked at her. Its little snake-like tongue flickering through the open gap of the mask. In fact, it seems to be attempted to speak. Celes just listened, waiting to hear what it had to say before she would dispatch it.

The Hollow spoke with a fashion not uncommon of snake-like creatures in fiction. "Welcome to my home. Hueco Mundo. Here you ssssshall die. I will feasssst on your remainssss and then I may finally become a Vassssto Lorde. Prepare to-" Celes stopped the Hollow as she once again dissapeared and appeared above him, slashing down on the mask. This seemed to infuriate the Hollow as it writhed, fell over and dissapeared into the smoke cloud most Hollows end up when they are cleansed by a Zanpakutou. 

As this was coming to close, Celes finally got a chance to look around. She was in a white desert under the pale moonlight as the Garganta seemed to have dissapeared. In fact it seemed as though she was stuck here for now, with no way of adquately contacting the Soul Society. In the distance she saw the large Fortress known as Las Noches, scattered between the distance were dead trees and tiny animals resembling Hollows. Celes had heard things about Las Noches and knew of the Espada. For now she began to trail towards the Fortress, seeing if she could find a Shinigami who may be marooned here as well.

[Torre Vulci]

Quite a few things have happened over the last few weeks. From being taken out by the Quinta to go slaughter some traitorous arrancar, to gaining respect for one of them. Even though the arrancar was dead he still longed to fight her, but unfortunately that was never going to happen. Training with Lady Asuka and revealing his full power to her was still something he was partially embarrassed about, if only because of how he got the full strength to come out. He must of said a few things while in that mindset that were strange, some of the servants kept looking at him weird. 

Only then he went out and got himself embarrassed again by unloading his worries upon a female beastclan. What was up with him lately? He knew he was confused and trying to figure things out, but this was insane. Deciding to go out and relieve some stress, he was already on his way out of Las Noches. Hollowing hunting was one of the usual ways to help vent some of his frustrations, and the best part was there no shortage. Yet as he made his way out he saw something that he never once would of thought would happen. A shinigami, and the closer he got, a female shinigami. 

"...What is with me and women lately. " He muttered softly. Stopping after another five minutes of walking he got a better look at her. Blond hair, white seems to show between the black of her robes. Judging from the texture they could be bandages or some form of wrapping for muscle training, it was hard to tell. Either way it was strange to see a shinigami in Hueco Mundo, especially one that is just that. One. Alone. No back up, no squad mates, just one. Either this was his lucky day or her unluckiest of days, either way if anyone else found her she would probably become bloody mist in a heart beat. 

" Oi, Senora!" He said launching himself towards her, but stopping about ten feet in front of her. Now that he was in better view of her, he could confirm quite a few things. One was that she did indeed have bandages on, quite a few places of her body at least from what he could see. Two was that despite the robe, he could tell she was well endowed which seemed to be a case for himself lately. "... My luck is strange... " He muttered softly. Torre was massively taller than her, standing nearly seven feet tall compared to her height of what he would guess is around five six to five eight. 

She was rather beautiful, then again Torre's standards for beautiful weren't really clear even to himself. Crossing his arms he looked Celes up and down, raising a eyebrow severely curious on how she managed to get here. " I don't know how you got here, but you are lucky im the one who found you first. " His tone was serious, despite the fact that he was interested in this shinigami. It was rare to see one in Hueco Mundo after all and he normally avoided them like the black plague. He was hoping keeping his zanpakuto sheathed was enough to keep this little shinigami from getting trigger happy. 

[Celes Shindazu]

Celes kept walking idly under the moon of Hueco Mundo. It was unlike any realm she was ever in. The Human Realm wasn't just one big desert nor was the Soul Society. This was just a barren wasteland. In some ways it reminded her of the other half of her inner world. Every now and then she could see little critters crawling around the sand. They were little insects, but they had these hollow masks. The air also felt dense and compact. If she was anything, but a spiritual being, she felt as though she'd be crushed by it.

As she continued on, she noticed someone calling out at her. When she looked over it seemed to be...an Arrancar. Celes immediately took a defensive stance and glared at the Arrancar. She was not sure what she was capable of, but she wasn't looking to fight anyone. Even then, the Arrancar appeared to be almost 7 ft tall and was outright imposing to Celes. Celes continued looking at the Arrancar as he began talking to her.  "... My luck is strange..." The girl tilted her head and thought about it for a moment. 

The Shinigami kept inspecting him. His eyes were a coal-black color. This was unlike anything that Celes has ever seen. After grounding herself, the Shinigami spoke softly. "You're...you're an Arrancar…?" She had not been attacked by him yet and this was certainly a change of pace. In fact, Celes noted that he had not even drawn his Zanpakutou. This was one of her first times encountering an Arrancar. The closest was the Adjuchas she had met by the name of Valentin. She was not sure whether the two were affiliated.

Celes eyed him carefully as he continued. " I don't know how you got here, but you are lucky im the one who found you first." Celes raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "Why? Are you gonna deliver me a swift death because that's what you...creatures do? Granted I am surprised that you've not drawn your weapon yet. I'm not one to draw my weapon myself on those that have no drawn theirs." She eyed him carefully and had her hand ready on her weapon in case he tried anything. "Are you here to strike me down then?"

[Torre Vulci]

Hueco Mundo, the place where all hope goes to die. Its a cruel way of saying that its a literal death trap to those who can't defend themselves or just aren't strong enough. The eternal night is taxing on the mind as no sun light comes to touch the eternal desert under it. The sounds of different kinds of roars, screeches, barks or growls constantly filling the mind with panic. Its even crueler once some poor sap enters the Menos Forest. A breeding ground that eventually births a smart and powerful adjuchas class hollow or several if the people of Las Noches are lucky. Eventually one of those few dozens will become a Vasto Lorde class, a rumor and myth to the shinigami. 

Yet they are real and they are very, very, dangerous. 

Torre himself doesn't remember running in to any of them, but he knows they exist. You can smell the strongest scent of blood in the air when one is around. Everyone always tries to kill them, but they just end up dead instead. Hollow, Shinigami, Quincy if the fucker is trapped here. Everyone who tries usually ends up dead and eaten, but maybe not by the Vasto Lorde. That was the eternal truth of this god forsaken waste land. No matter what your birth right is, no matter where you came from, no matter how strong you were in the last area. Death was always looming around the corner if you didn't play your cards right. 

Hell, even if you play your cards right you could still die. 

Watching this Shinigami act was a mixture of both amusement of her curiousity if he was a arrancar. Only then to be followed by a smart remark about the typical blood lust that follows hollow kind. She wasn't wrong at all, not a single bit. No, if anything she was right on the mark for the most part. Torre was out for blood, but it didn't have to be her blood if she didn't quite get it. Looking over her general defensive stance he was impressed with it. She really did seem to know what she was doing with her zanpakuto, but he wasn't sure if she understood one thing. 

Just because Torre has a zanpakuto, doesn't mean that it is his only weapon. You get real used to using your hands and feet, hell maybe even your tail, for killing. In Hueco Mundo everything was free game, no rules, no restrictions, just death match with anything and everything. " First off. You are better to tone that attitude. I am patient, but any of the other guys and girls? " He pointed at the big white fortress far behind him. " They will kill you. Without hesitation. Without reason. Without a shred of remorse. " He said softly pumping his dark aura into the immediate area to help get the point across. 

" Second off. Yes, i am here to kill. But, that doesn't mean im here to kill you specifically. You want out of this god forsaken hellhole. Then lets play a bit of a game. If you can knock me on my ass while only using your hands and feet, then i will open a garganta and send you on your way. " He stated as he undid his jacket and threw it onto a near by rock. His hollow fragment on his shoulder releasing a soft puff of black smoke that smelled like sulfur or rotting eggs to be close. He, for now, did not take any of his combat stances as this was gonna be a fun little test. She was here on her own and he wanted to see just how strong she was physically, not spiritually. He didn't give much of a care for the spiritual powers of shinigami, only if their so called rigorous physical training could best him.  

" If you lose. Well... Hm. What to choose.... Well. If you lose, i will still send you on your way. However, with a bit of a catch. Sound fair? And no that doesn't mean im gonna take a limb or part of your body... Im a arrancar, not a freak. " 

SPOILER: Click to show

 

Stats
Strength: 140 + 50% { 210 }
Speed: 140 +50% { 210 }
Instinct: 100
Reiatsu Strength: 100
Spiritual Pressure: 170 -25% {128 } { 1,280 }
Energy Sensory: 0
Senses: 50
Light Aura:10
Dark Aura: 90
Healing Expertise: 0

Skills
Weapon: Sword 2
Martial Arts: Boxing 2
Martial Arts: Kick Boxing 2
Pain Tolerance 2
Lack of Fear 2
Battle Analysis 2
Damage Recovery 2

 

[Celes Shindazu]

It seemed that their little discussion would continue on for a bit as Celes saw no desire in the Arrancar to move. She was wondering if he was taunting her. She didn't think that was it either after some time though. He had not drawn his blade or even made an offensive move. Yet he didn't seem the friendlist either. After all he was an Arrancar. Celes did not like determining others motivations or beliefs, but Arrancar and Hollows were special cases to her. She was a Shinigami. They could not get along...could they?

Celes noted a bit of amusement appear on the Arrancar's face. Was he amused by her taking this so seriously, she wasn't sure. One thing was for sure though, he was unlike most. Most Hollows and even few Arrancar she had heard about from her superiors were not only strong, but bloodthirsty and vicious. Celes was not sure if she could even compare to him. Not to mention, was he one of the Espada? Perhaps? She couldn't be careful enough. This philosophy held up until she actually listened to Torre continue. 

"First off. You are better to tone that attitude. I am patient, but any of the other & guys and girls?" Celes then noticed him point to a giant white fortress behind the two of them she only knew as Las Noches. Is that where he had come from? She knew as well just from somewhat common knowledge that it was the Espada who resided in that fortress. Celes made sure to ease her tensions a little and just take a moment to listen. This was unlike any other encounter that she had gotten herself into. 

Torre continued. "They will kill you. Without hesitation. Without reason. Without a shred of remorse." Celes could only assume that he was referring to the other Arrancar. There were reports in the Soul Society about Arrancar rivaling Vice Captains and even full blown Captains of the Gotei 13. What a terrible thought that was to her. Shinigami were supposed to the protectors of the realms, keepers of the peace and yet monsters like Hollows and Arrancar continued to plague the earth. She squinted a little, conflicted with how this one was acting. 

Celes sighed and just continued to listen until he showed any form of hostile action. "Second off. Yes, i am here to kill. But, that doesn't mean im here to kill you specifically. You want out of this god forsaken hellhole. Then lets play a bit of a game. If you can knock me on my ass while only using your hands and feet, then i will open a garganta and send you on your way." Celes truly blinked now and looked at him confused. "Garganta...? You mean that black distortion that I followed the Hollow into that led me here?"

Celes was wondering if this was a good idea. It was her job to exterminate Hollows and Arrancar. Not play games with them, let alone simulating actual training. The Arrancar continued with a caveat. " If you lose. Well... Hm. What to choose.... Well. If you lose, i will still send you on your way. However, with a bit of a catch. Sound fair? And no that doesn't mean im gonna take a limb or part of your body... Im a arrancar, not a freak." Celes was debating the validity on that. Then again, the two seemed somewhat alike in a joy to fight.

Celes eyed him carefully and with curiosity. He was certainly different. He held himself in higher regards than just a mindless Hollow or bloodthirsty Arrancar, yet at the same time he was somewhat down to earth and very genuine in his intention. Maybe it couldn't hurt? What else could Celes do, but take him up on his offer. With her weaker skill, she could not summon a Senkaimon here and the reiatsu in the air made it difficult to think sometimes as it cascaded unto her. Celes nodded as he did not take any stances.

Celes then before even moving asked a single question. "There is just one thing I would like to know. Are you an Espada?..." The words rangs from her mouth with anticipation at the answer. In the meantime, Celes took a fighting stance, not unsheathing her Zanpakutou. She would play along for now, unknowing of how breaking the rules would affect his mood. She could feel that he was certainly stronger than her. "I should caution you. I am not too proficient in physical combat yet. I also can't believe I'm saying this, but it would bring shame upon me to not introduce myself to an opponent. Celes Shindazu, Unseated Shinigami of Squad 11 of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads." She would stand there, waiting to see how he would react. Once he did, she would make the first move if he didnt.

Celes barreled down the sand, clearly intent on giving this her full intent. She had to test the waters first though. She would run up to him and tilting herself to the side a little, would extend her foot at him, emulating a Side kick in Baguazang. Her form was very crude as she had no formal training. She had very little martial training at all, but she felt that she could test the waters with this. Her strength was nothing to boast about, actually it was rather medicore which met her frail build. This was not the end of it though. 

Regardless of whether this did anything or not, Celes would almost dissapear from sight, moving at a speed of 700 with her Shunpo appearing right above the Arrancar. She would attempt to use the momentum of the Shunpo to artificially increased the striking power of her attack. She would hit him with another crude form of an arial roundhouse. It was not likely to hit and with Celes' form it was much weaker than what it ever could be, but she was hoping that her momentum could make up for any little lack of form.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and Skills}Strength- 60 (-30%) = 42
Speed - 70
Spiritual Pressure - 100 (50%) = 150
Reiatsu Strength - 75
Light Aura- 90
Dark Aura - 10
Instinct - 50
Senses - 50
Energy Sensory - 25
Healing Expertise - 0

Total SP: [430]

Illusion Resist: 1

Strength of Will: 1

Pain Tolerance: 1

Damage Recovery: 1

Mental Incantation: 1

Analyzing: 1

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu}Shunpo -50

Total Reiatsu: 1450/1500

[Torre Vulci]

Potential. The one thing that Hueco Mundo did right besides create a near endless horde of blood thirsty killers, was allowed others to reach their potential. Sure it was a path bathed in the blood and corpses of those who dared get in your way. Not even forgetting the amount of souls a hollow has to consume to even get to the ability to make a Menos. The one thing that every single hollow, menos, gillian, and Vasto Lorde had was the potential to be more. To constantly evolve and constantly gain power, but that didn't mean that they were near infinite to their maximum power. It just meant that they could become so much more than they originally thought they could, and not even arrancar are kept from that fact. 

To be honest, Torre felt something within himself was changing every single day he spends with Lady Asuka and her tower. A feels a more merciful and compassionate side slowly pull the curtain back. Yet the warrior inside still demanded that it be satisfied no matter whose blood was the sacrifice. When Torre looked at Celes, he saw exactly that. The potential to be so much more than she currently was and to be here in the devils back yard was certainly a good experience. When she spoke up with a bit of a question that he thought she already knew the answer to was, quite shockingly a change. 

"...You.. Don't know what... Wow. Shinigami train of intel must be going to shit lately. " 

He couldn't really help the comment, then again she was the first shinigami he met without killing first. He reflected on those days, chomping on them like they were little bite sized meals. Then it dawned on him. She got in here because she foolishly followed a hollow back here when it was leaving wherever it was. He couldn't help but realize exactly what he is dealing with at the moment, a rookie, a green horn, Fresh meat. When she asked if he was a Espada he couldn't help, but to burst into a fit of laughter. " A Espada? .... " He said trying to confirm the question. " No no. Nothing like that. As far as im aware all, but one, of them would try to kill you on sight. Maybe 2 of them wouldn't, im not quite sure about the second one. " 

Then she told him that her capabilities were more in the spiritual side of things. This made him really worried as he always considered the spiritual stuff to be second fiddle. To not learn to harness your own body before your own spiritual side was fool hardy to him. She mentioned her name and status in a manner that he both respected and liked, getting a small smile out of him. " Celes.... Quite a eloquent name. A name befitting a woman of your physical level of beauty." He seemed to like her name, but maybe there was something more to it. " Very well. I am Torre Vulci, Segunda Fraccion. Which means, im a warrior for the Segunda Espada. " To be fair he was probably the only soldier for Lady Asuka, if not something more important than just a warrior.  

" Well then Celes. The first move is yours. " He stated, keeping his stance as plain as can be. This was where the test began for Celes, it would be easy for him to toy with her. Yet he wants to see where she is currently at before he decides to really do anything. The first of her attacks was a kick, and let him just say her form was sloppy in his eyes. He didn't bother to block or dodge because he wanted to feel what a kick from her would feel like. It was a total let down from the moment she impacted. It stung alright, but that's it. That's all it felt like, as if he was stung by a bee. 

No broken bone. No sore muscle. Just a normal solid impact, which was basically nothing with his level of pain tolerance. Immediately the felt the strong desire to just kill her there for the embarrassing kick. Yet, then she disappeared without a trace, well. Without a obvious trace that is. He made a quick dart around his frontal view and didn't feel any thing like a back attack. Instead he looked up just in time for her foot to impact with the top of his head. Now this one hurt, and boy did he actually smile at the amount of pain. It wasn't much more than her normal kick, but it left a nice solid sensation. 

In one fluid motion his hand moved to grab her ankle and if he succeded he would simply tossed her back ten feet, holding back on his own to not accidentally harm her legs. He stretched out and smiled for once. " The first kick was embarrassing, but the second one was much better. " Despite his compliment, he did not even move a inch. " So. Let me tell you where you went wrong first. " He perfectly mimic'd her previous kick stance to show her. " while i do not know what fighting style this is. I can tell from your first movement that your muscles aren't used to it. " He returned to his previous stationary position. 

" Which tells me a few possible things. You haven't been training your body every single day. Or you are choosing to perfect something else in its stead. A mind body, helps with the toning of the mind and soul. Also never skip leg day. " 

Even in Hueco Mundo, Never skipping leg day was a serious rule of survival. 

[Celes Shindazu]

As Celes foot made contact with the Arrancar, she could feel the harder impact. It was beginning to put a little strain on her muscles so she was a little relieved in a morbid kind of way when Torre through her from him, but as she landed, she didn't feel too much strain on her leg. She could only assume that the Arrancar did not actually put that much force into the grab and was simply trying to get her off of him. She felt that was fair, after all, she had just hit him in the head with the speedy kick. It must've hurt a little bit.

This was turning out to be quite the day. Had someone told Celes that there was an Arrancar who would only be looking to spar you, Celes would have called them a liar. Yet here she was going toe to toe with an Arrancar. Admittedly her tensions were a little eased when the Arrancar revealed a piece of information. "No no. Nothing like that. As far as im aware all, but one, of them would try to kill you on sight. Maybe 2 of them wouldn't, im not quite sure about the second one." To not be facing an Espada at her level was truly a relief.

Admittedly Celes was a little surprised at the formality of the Arrancar. Before she knew it he not only called her name beautiful, but also the Shinigami herself. Celes did not know how to respond, but she felt a rise of emotions. Some rivaling elation while others seemed to be near disgust. She was being complimented by an Arrancar. This would certainly take a little getting used to. Celes' stature froze, however when he revealed that he was not an Espada, but the direct underling of one. Celes blinked a little to this.

She heard him calmly speak. "Very well. I am Torre Vulci, Segunda Fraccion. Which means, im a warrior for the Segunda Espada." A Fraccion? She had heard of the title off hand, but it wasn't anything she was intimately familiar with. The young Shinigami gulped, but tried not to waver her stance nor her resolve. It was true that whether she won here or not he may send her home, but Celes could not be sure of that. For all she knew this was a giant game to him. She could feel the tensions of his body not give into her kicks so she presumed her was atleast based off of his stature, much stronger physically.

It was then that Torre began to...critique her. Oh this was becoming more and more interesting by the second. Not only was he willing to spar and test her, but she was actually being helped by this Arrancar. This would be quite the story at the Gotei Thirteen, but Celes felt that this may have to be kept a secret. After all, there was very little that she could speak of regarding this encounter. She may even be branded as a traitor for simply letting a Fraccion of the Espada just go and not face him in combat that could end in death. 

Celes just shook off the thought and opted to keep it a secret instead for now. Overall though, it seemed that Torre was more impressed with her second kick. "While i do not know what fighting style this is. I can tell from your first movement that your muscles aren't used to it." Despite this it seemed that Torre could tell that Celes was not the best of physical fighters. It was true that her muscle simply were not used to it. She then saw him demonstrate how he assumed the kick was intended to be.

If he did it correctly, which Celes just assumed he did, it would appear to be an explosive kick that hit with the blade of the foot. Celes was not sure what was correct form and what was not. After all, Celes simply saw these movements off hand. Baguazang is a style she wished to learn as it was simply a form of Kung Fu, but for that she had to get her physical strength up. Celes then simply did perhaps the thing Torre would expect the least. She began lifting her leg and trying to emulate his movement.

The Shinigami would repeatedly try to shakily repeat the movement. It was clear that she was benefitting from the practice as her form became slightly better with every dozen or so. After a couple repetitions of a dozen, Celes had a little better grasp on what it was. There was only one thing she could not train on the spot and that was her muscles. Torre was simply right about that and it may be something that Celes would have to focus on. Her strength right now was not in Hakuda, but instead in Zanjutsu.

After ruminating for a bit, the Shinigami took another stance and begin trying to make her breath stable. After all, the Shinigami knew only a little about the applications of martial arts. In this sense, she knew a little about how to even out her breathing to make her stances better and her strikes hit harder. This time Celes had a better idea on how to make the side kick work perhaps. Warriors like him and her relied on sight. What if she tried to take that away. With a sudden movement Celes wouldn't disappear, but she would be moving incredibly quickly.

Torre could most likely tell that she used another Shunpo, moving a speed of about 600, but this one was linear and was moving directly at the Arrancar. Halfway into the Shunpo, which brought her to a distance of a couple of feet from Torre, Celes suddenly spun around as though she were surfing on the sand. This little spin would kick up some sand with the aim of entering the Arrancar's eye. Celes was not good enough to continue her assault mid spin, attempting to use her remaining momentum of about 400 or so to attempt the side kick again, aiming for Torre's left ankle which was hopefully not tensed up. Additionally, Celes was hoping that her little sand trick worked so that he may not be sure of her motives.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu}
Shunpo -50

Total Reiatsu: 1400/1500

[Torre Vulci]

Survival. The only thing that is important in Hueco Mundo besides gaining power. Recalling the hunger than he once had to suffer from, he could understand the desire to grow more and more powerful. If your desires where to protect someone you hold dear to your heart or the desire to return to someone you were forced away from. Those two specifically rang a familiar bell in the blazing heart that Torre has, but to do that you need power. To obtain power you must survive, and to survive you must kill without hesitation. He always thought the shinigami were weak in that way. 

They never once had to fight for their own sanity, their own desire to keep their body as theirs. Instead they had the power of fighting for someone else's sake, whether they wanted it or not. He respected that bit of their lives, protecting the souls of the poor commoners who felt no hunger. For the shinigami there was valor, honor, justice, and order. Yet for the Arrancar, for the Hollows? What did they have to show their strength? It was simple, so simple every living being hated them. The Ferocity, the stubborness, the desire to become whole once more and gain incredible power. 

Anarchy. Chaos. Blood shed. Might makes right. Cleverness. That was the core aspect of each and every single sentient hollow in this god forsaken wasteland. so to see what is clearly life in front of his eyes, when all he has seen is death or the insane trying to be alright again. It brought a sense of progress to him, as if he was getting stronger and things were progressing. Progressing into what? Well he has no fucking idea to be a hundred percent honest. Yet when he grabbed her ankle before he knew entirely that her leg had sustained some strain from impacting him. 

Well.. Her leg won't survive much more of that, at least a few good kicks left in her. He figured from the current condition her muscles must be in, that she most likely won't use it more than one or two more times. Wondering if she had any cocky or smart ass comments, he was surprised with none actually. It was clear she was taking this seriously, yet he couldn't help but to be worried that she might break herself without him having to do anything." Don't push your body too far, You will still have to go home by yourself once i send you on your way. " At this point he was more like a strict coach than a horrible villain. 

Yet she continued now trying some other tactics. Disappearing once again, by the help of what he believed it was called a shunpo, he instinctively closed his one eye and focused. Figuring she would go for maybe a back shot this time he was left surprised by the more frontal attack. Feeling the sand hit him in the face first, one of his many instincts kicked in. What Celes would notice right away was his shift in posture, to one of kick boxing. He released a powerful jab kick using his right leg directly in front of him, which many could confuse for the well known spartan kick. 

But feeling nothing directly in front of him he pondered if she was seriously going for the same move twice, figuring it was a wiser move to assume so. With almost lightning reflexes he jumped with only only remaining leg he has on the sand, however his jump was cut a bit short by the ankle kick. " Clever girl... " Yet he used the awkward movement from the kick to spin his body in a 360. Letting himself land on his feet about five feet away. The pain from the kick was noticibly weaker than the kick to the head, making him wonder if her speed was slowing down. 

" Solid kick. You are already improving. Targeting a important join to try and throw me off with the little sand trick to distract. Not bad if i may say. But. " His continuation was cut short when he moved to be right in front of her and launched a right upper cut, all while holding back. If the upper cut hit, it would be similar to the feeling of being hit by a jack hammer not breaking any bones, but certainly leaving a sore spot for a few days. " Never use the same trick twice to a opponent. At least, not twice in a row. I understand you are a bit limited in actions here, but this is more knowledge for the future. " 

Only then it dawned him on. He really was just giving a shinigami beauty, some tips on how to fight better. 

Oh well. 


Upper cut acting strength: 125. Speed is normal 210. 

[Celes Shindazu]

The young Shinigami was admittedly a little surprised that her trick had worked. After all the sand was primarily a diversion and had hit the Fraccion clean in the eyes. It was then that she noticed something change. It seemed that Torre had significant conditioning when it came to reaction to these things. She could not recognize the stance, but one thing was sure, it would be nasty especially from what she knew of his strength and hell even his stature. Now though, the Shinigami would disappear in her flash.

Once she did, she appeared to his side, aiming at his ankle. Moving at a speed of 400 which would be impressive to most regular people, Torre seemed to react to it quite well. She felt her kick connect as she aimed it lower and at the joint. There was no crack or rumble, but she could feel the recoil which to her meant that it atleast had a minor effect. Something interesting happened this time, however. It was now Torre using the velocity and force as he spun out to a distance of 5 ft away from Celes.

Just looking at him, Celes could tell that the Arrancar was not much worse for wear when it hit. Celes was significant weaker than him on a physical level and she most likely had the better spirit, but it meant little in a fight where physical strength and speed predominated. One thing was for sure, Celes had her work cut out for her as she found an opponent who was leagues above her in a single field and perhaps even with her in another. Regardless, Celes knew that he had experience and that he could use it well.

The most interesting thing happened after. Celes felt her muscle weakening. It was not just her speed, but the constant recoil was beginning to tear at her actual muscle. This was something she was not used to. Torre must have most likely felt it. "Don't push your body too far, You will still have to go home by yourself once i send you on your way." Celes looked up and blinked. Was Torre actually beginning to show concern for her well being? It was completely unlike anything she was used to when it came to Arrancar.

The young Shinigami would feel leg twitch and rumble as she even struggled to stand. This was beginning to take its toll on her and she could identify that without a shred of a doubt. The Shinigami would begin to try and move forward, but before she even had chance to take an adequate step she heard Torre. "Solid kick. You are already improving. Targeting a important join to try and throw me off with the little sand trick to distract. Not bad if i may say. But." Once again Celes was caught off guard when she saw the Arrancar just appear in front of her. 

"Never use the same trick twice to a opponent. At least, not twice in a row. I understand you are a bit limited in actions here, but this is more knowledge for the future." Celes was able to notice something coming up towards her. It was a nasty uppercut rocketing towards her. Before she could even move or blink it connected. Celes had a plan, however. Despite having low strength, even the most average of people could tense up before a hit to almost absorb the shockwave in a way to reduce the incoming damage.

Celes tried this to the best of her abilities, but all she met was disappointment as the uppercut completely ran though her defense. The tension worked if only for a little bit, but in the grand scheme of things had almost no usefulness in this situation as Celes felt herself almost be lifted off the ground from the force. She would be lifted from the hit and fall backwards about 3 feet. All the while her mouth was dripping a minor amount of blood. That hit certainly did not feel good and Celes did her best to try and move.

She could not, however. All she could do was twitch for the time being as her body just went into utter shock. It was then that something akin to a fighting spirit kicked in. Celes is the type of fighter who would go on until the last of her blood stains the cool and white desert sand. With extreme strain, Celes suddenly took out her Zanpakutou, yet she did not point it at the Arrancar. No, she instead planted it into the ground and tried to use the tsuka of the Zanpakutou to lift herself up from the sand.

Her stance was shaky and overall was nothing impressive. The girl was almost at the end of her physical capability. It was clear that without the Zanpakutou she could not even stand. Blood from her mouth began to drip down the Zanpakutou which would slide along the curvature of the blade and fall onto the desert sand. Celes simply tried to move forward, using the Zanpakutou as a makeshift cane, moving till she stood about 1 ft away from the Arrancar who had hit her with a force that she could not handle.

Instead of raising her blade in a feeble attempt or hell even trying to use something akin to Kido, the Shinigami would only smile. She knew that the hit would leave her sore for a couple days, but did not break anything. She spoke softly, "I don't think I've ever met an Arrancar like you. Most would be out to kill me yet you actually take the time to be more...like a mentor." She chuckled as she retched and coughed out more blood, shaking still and twitching as her body still had to recover from the hit.

[Torre Vulci]

Satisfaction. The unfortunate truth of being a hollow, a basic hollow that is, is that satisfaction never comes. Nothing fills your belly all the way, nothing ever stops your hunger. Nothing stops your desire to spill innocent or not so innocent blood all over the ground for whatever reason you have. Even when you evolve into a Menos Grande, if you are lucky to still be you that is, the hunger never stops. It only changes the menu of meals to other Menos Grande's. All the way up to Adjuchas class hollows, the unfortunate bastards they are, for their desire to eat is not one of hunger. 

Its of desperation to keep themselves in control, keep themselves alive, and more importantly keep themselves.. Well themselves. Torre wondered how much the shinigami actually knew of the hollow evolution path. Where they just different forms of the same coin, or did they understand the struggle that being a hollow actually is? The only two forms a hollow could take to satisfy that never ending hunger is one of myth and one no one knew they could do. To become a Vasto Lorde, regain their mortal-ish, body and have all the power they could ever need to survive. 

Or to become a Arrancar by sheer chance. After all. No one knew that if a Adjuchas class hollow tore off its own mask willingly that it would become a Arrancar. Not a single hollow still living in this wasteland knew, and thus they don't know that its a option for them. Either path stops their evolution and as far as Torre knows, Vasto Lorde class Arrancar are to see. He wondered what it was like for them, to tear off what part of their mask they still have in order to gain a even more human looking body. Torre understood those struggles, the struggle to still be himself. The struggle to not be the prey, but to constantly be the predator.

Its why he forged his own little home back when he was a massive fifty foot tall dragon. One he claimed as his and no one elses. He wondered, did this Celes understand that feeling? He watched her recoil from his punch with seemingly losing control of her own body. He could smell the fresh scent of blood in the air and knew that their game was over. If he made it go on any longer, every hollow within a ten mile range would smell her blood and come running. He wanted to see her potential growth, he wanted to fight her when she was equal in strength. 

So it was time to call the game. 

"..Game's over. It's best i send you off now. " She stood up using her zanpakuto as a kind of crutch. He had to say he was impressed with her desire to keep going. " I do not kill those who are weaker than me. I only kill those who are equal to or perhaps stronger than me. Id rather see your potential growth, then see your lifeless corpse on these sands. " Knowing her movement was limited even further, he tapped the air like it was a window. Forcing a deep black crack to form and force open to a familiar black world of nothingness, the Garganta. Scooping her up in a bridal style carry he walked her in. 

" This is the least i can do. " He walked for what appeared to be minutes before a familiar light broke through on the other side of the gate. Arriving back in Karakura town, the hot spot that he knows shinigami tend to patrol in. He put her on top of a roof of some random close by building. " As for the catch. I only request you keep a eye out for a woman. Blond hair, hourglass thin frame. Assuming shes a plus now. " He stated softly. " I have questions only she can answer. If you spot her, next time we meet let me know. " He flared his reiatsu to draw attention to this spot. 

" Adios, Senora Celes. " His only words as he stepped back through the Garganta and left. 

[Celes Shindazu]

Celes was at the end of the line. Her body felt broken, creaking as it unraveled under her own weight. As she walked up to Torre, she felt her consciousness fading. Despite her ability, she was simply outmatched by the physical capability of this Arrancar. Not only that, the young Shinigami was wondering whether he would keep up his part of the deal. It was certainly something to think about, but as Celes took another step, she began to feel her body give in as she collapsed on the blood stained sand of Hueco Mundo.

Celes began fading in and out of the thresholds of consciousness. Her vision blurry, but being able to hear quite clearly, she heard the Arrancar speak. "..Game's over. It's best i send you off now." Celes chuckled absentmindedly as she heard the familiar sound and blurry look of the Garganta. It was similar to the Shinigami's senkaimon, but different in enough ways to make it a completely different skill. Admittedly, the black void that was within was imposing to the Shinigami and she wondered whether she could make it through.

Her doubts must have been heard because the Arrancar picked her up which perplexed Celes beyond belief. He was...helping her after all. She heard him continue on. "I do not kill those who are weaker than me. I only kill those who are equal to or perhaps stronger than me. Id rather see your potential growth, then see your lifeless corpse on these sands." Once again, being beaten by a member of Hueco Mundo. Chuckling weakly and smiling just as weak, the Shinigami could not believe how now matter how she tried, she continued to fail against the enemies she swore to destroy.

As they ended up out of the Garganta, the last thing Celes heard was the Arrancar mentioned a plus. "As for the catch. I only request you keep a eye out for a woman. Blond hair, hourglass thin frame. Assuming shes a plus now." Celes was admittedly a little surprised. She completely forgot about the catch in their little duel and she was a woman of her word. She was defeated in fair combat and would make sure to keep a lookout. This was the last thing on her mind as she drifted into unconsciousness, the darkness of consuming her.

The Shinigami opened her eyes and realized she was within a familiar place. It was the wasteland she once visited when Venus had helped her commune with her Zanpakutou spirit. The Shinigami blinked as she heard rustling in the tops of the trees like last time. Within the leafless crown of the tree she saw none other than her Spirit. She still did not have a name for all Celes knew as she just watched her descend, landing with a thud before the Shinigami. Celes only smiled at her landing.

The spirit looked at her with large eyes and giggled. "Seems you got beat up pretty bad, didn't you Celes?" She chuckled and quickly poked Celes in the head which left the Shinigami careening backwards. The spirit just let Celes fall over, still obviously exhausted. As Celes hit the ground, she would look up in the sky and sigh. The Spirit looked at her with a confused look and fell over in a fashion similar to Celes and they both just looked up in the sky together, the spirit wondering what her Shinigami partner was thinking.

The spirit finally spoke up. "It's bothering you isn't it? That you got beaten by him?" Celes looked over at her spirit with surprise. "How did you know that I was fighting anyway?" The Spirit rolled her eyes and chuckled, shaking her head. "Silly, I'm always with you in the blade that you wield. The battles you fight in, the wars we win and ones we lose...I will always be there with you Celes." Celes admittedly chuckled at her cute little pep talk. She wasn't sure if it was cheering her up, well..maybe a little bit.

Celes just let out a long sigh. "It seems that no matter how hard I try, I cannot find myself beating those that would do us harm. Am I just too weak?" The Spirit just looked up once more and sighed as well. "If I am honest Celes, I can't say..." She chuckled and giggled afterwards. "With every passing battle you will grow stronger and unlock more of my power." She thought about it and chuckled. "You once asked what my name was Celes. Well..I think I am ready to share it with you. You've grown and I can see that. Just remember our promise. You will use me to my fullest."

The Shinigami looked over and smiled. The spirit chuckled and sighed. "It's Yunorashi, Celes. Your blades, Yunorashi." Celes smiled at this admittedly. It was a beautiful name and Celes understood how important the moment was between the two. Celes closed her eyes and repeated it. "Yunorashi...what a beautiful name." Yunorashi smiled profusely from this. She got up and helped Celes to her feet as she hugged her Shinigami partner. The two of them could get through any hurdle together. 

Yunorashi just ended up chuckling. "Well..I can't keep you here forever. Just remember to let us both fight together against our enemies, Celes." With a tap to her forehead, Celes felt her consciousness fade again and as everything went black, she just heard someone calling out at her. "Celes! Celes!" The Shinigami felt her body move. She was being shaken. As she blinked and once more regained consciousness she looked around and saw her room in the Squad 11 Barracks. Additionally, she saw Venus. 

The elder Shinigami simply hugged her tightly as Celes almost felt the life being pressed out her as she tapped Venus on the back as a plea. Venus exclaimed, "Oh yes! Sorry of course Celes." The two Shinigami smiled at one another as Venus sighed. She looked at her with one of intent and questioning. "Celes...what the hell happened? At first I couldn't find you in the Human Realm and next thing I know, I felt your spiritual pressure back in Karakura with your body almost laying broken on the ground..."

Celes looked down at her sheets, clearly indicating to the other Shinigami that she was not wanting to talk about it. Venus just sighed and smiled. "Well, I am just glad you are safe. If you don't wish to tell me right now that is fine, but know Celes, you can tell me anything. I will always be here for you." Venus stepped out to the door and chuckled. "Rest for now..." Once she closed the door, Celes sighed and laid down, almost immediately falling into a deep slumber again, but before she did she had only one thing on her mind. "Mark my words Torre...I will beat you.."

[OOC: Ignore the attachment. No idea how it got there.]

Attachments:

[Col Arana]

84 paragraphs works out to 420 TP to both parties!