The Price of Honor [JT]

[Celes Castellanos]

Pain. This is what Celes felt all over her body. That searing sensation of anguish permeated throughout her very being. She was resilent, but even she had to grit her teeth and whimper somewhat when she was at risk of being charred to a crisp. That is what it felt like to dash through that Sokatsui. For a moment, there was nothing. Just the feeling of warmth. This soon skyrocketed to agonizing proportions as the flames of the Hado licked at her flesh. Despite feeling the Hado disperse under her concentrated assault, the flames did much to harm her. Searing her flesh and licking her wounds with tendrils of heat. Maybe it was the severity of the burns, but Celes felt numb. That was certainly a new feeling for her.

Her concentration felt broken once she heard Orobas speak. It was so hard to focus. To listen. Yet she had to try anyway. "color me surprised at your choices. What on earth possessed you to try to challenge something like that? That couldn't have been the best idea, don't you think? Surely you could've realized that something like that isn't to be trifled with." She blinked as she reassured herself that this was the right decision. She was a Shinigami. It was her duty to protect. As a Vice Captain especially, she had this sacred charge. She looked up at Orobas, still trying to stand with her Zanpakutou. Sighing, she breathed out calmly to try and find her inner peace once more. 

"As a Shinigami..my sacred charge is to protect those in need. Y..your Sokatsui was about to destroy the building behind us..." Finding some resolve as she spoke, Celes pointed at the building behind them as she breathed out once more to try and recollect herself. "I can't just let all those people die. Especially over our spar. So I had to do this. I had to challenge this Kido." She chuckled as her vision became blurry for a moment. "As they say. Winning the battle, but losing the war." Despite her position, it seemed that Celes was still able to joke about the situation. This was clearly the proud warrior coming out. She did challenge an insurmountable Kido and was able to win that encounter. 

After her declaration, she proceeded to listen to Orobas as he snapped his fingers. "Please don't think of me too harshly for what comes next, Celes," Admittedly the Shinigami raised an eyebrow albeit weakly. Was he really going to uphold his end of the spar? Or was he going to prove himself to be without honor? A predator. As he snapped his fingers, Celes could suddenly feel a burst of that hellish reiatsu. Her lack of sensory did not matter. It was overflowing and Celes tried to ready herself for what was to come. Her life may actually be on the line, but she couldn't run. She didn't dare. Her honor and duty would not allow it. It seemed that Celes was spared this fate however as it would befall another. 

The Shinigami stared at the woman. She gritted her teeth as she looked at her. She was frozen. Despite this, Celes exclaimed at her just before Orobas made his move on her. "Are you foolish?! Run! Get away from here!!!" Too little too late as Celes watched Orobas disappear. In the blink of an eye, the Akki was upon the woman. Celes could not overhear what he was saying. She did not need to. She watched as the Akki placed his hand atop the woman's head and Celes was forced to watch, powerless as he suddenly used one of his vicious tendrils to murder this woman. Celes was at a loss for words. It was so effortless. Yet there was something so repulsive about how he preyed on her.

Suddenly, tendrils began to erupt from Orobas, enveloping the deceased woman which Celes once again watched. She was too weak to really defend someone else nor stop what he was doing at this point. Was this weakness? Powerlessness? It was all some nightmare as Celes for a moment found herself in an alleyway. She looked around. It seemed so familar. A marketplace behind her. Yet what was notable was someone laying in the snow. Celes bit her lip as she approached slowly. The snow had begun to cover the corpse as she looked upon it, wiping it to the side. With a sudden scream, Celes struggled backward, sitting in the snow. It was the body of her sister. This similar feeling of weakness. Was she forced to relive this moment? 

As she looked around for help, she whimpered softly as there was nobody there. Nobody except a figure in the distance. The figure slowly began to approach as Celes looked upon him. He was dressed in black garments and more chains. His pale white skin matched the snow along with his icy cold eyes. He looked down upon Celes and spoke in an amused tone. "Funny. How history repeats itself. First you were incapable of saving her. Now another soul needed to suffer because of your weakness. When will you learn Celes. Preserve yourself. Your sentiment for some group of random humans left you vulnerable. Now you couldn't save someone from another predator. Face it. You need me. You need my guidance." 

Celes looked up and shook her head. She whimpered softly and spoke with a broken voice. "I..I don't. My sentiment does not make me weak. It gives me strength. It grants me resolve. And I certainly do not need help from someone like you! Someone who you go and sacrifice anyone for yourself." She growled and stood, taking an aggressive stance. The Hollow meanwhile just chuckled. "Oh dearest. You will learn eventually. Go on. Continue getting beat up. But know this." He suddenly was upon her grabbing her throat. "If you die. I die. If I need to, I will forcefully take over this body and cast you into the deepest pits of despair. Remember this well, Shinigami." His eyes burned with anger, a departure from his regular demeanor. Once he let go and Celes blinked, she was back in the park before Orobas. It seemed that this mental event only last about five or six seconds in reality. 

Yet when Celes looked upon Orobas, his body was changing. It was hard to tell what was going on as she was forcefully brought back to reality. Yet when the change was completed, Celes was looking upon a woman. Not just any woman. The one that Orobas had killed now also had her identity stolen. Celes heard the Akki speak in a rather smooth feminine voice. "this body doesn't feel half bad! I could certainly get used to this! To feel so young and lively again, certainly something I'm going to enjoy." The Vice Captain blinked as she gritted her teeth. She suddenly pulled up her Zanpakutou as she grabbed the other from the sheath. Her eyes were burning with anger. 

She spoke out. "Liar. Not only do you threaten the safety of those around us, but now you prey upon them? Revoking your word?! She seethed as she held both of her Zanpakutou and began to speak. "By blood may my spear earn its name. By Aries, may my shield carry my broken body home. Name me the Goddess of War, Yunorashi." As she finished speaking, her reiatsu began to flare. Suddenly, a burst of flame erupted around her. It was a beautiful pillar of flame that rose into the sky. As the flames died down, Celes stood before the Akki. Her twin swords had now become a spear and shield respectively. She decided to waste little time.

The Shinigami would suddenly dissapear from sight, moving at a speed of 5000. She would appear right behind Orobas. Using her shield, she accelerated her limb using a Shunpo Karin, attempting to slam the Akki in the back with at an impressive speed of 2500. If this succeeded, Celes would proceed to use her other weapon, the spear, to take advantage of the blunt force trauma hopefully. Her spear would try to come around Orobas neck. Using the other hand to grab just below the tip of the spear, she would yank back, attempting to press it against Orobas neck with a strength of 800. Finally, if this all worked out, Celes would suddenly kick herself back, using gravity to her advantage. Assuming that Orobas joined in her falling backward, the Shinigami would use her stength as leverage to catapult the Akki backwards away from her. Meanwhile, Celes would land on her knees and sigh. This kind of athleticism did typically take it out of her, but this would most likely give the Akki a small amount of Vertigo due to the sudden shifts in movement. 

SPOILER: Click to show

{Shunpo Karin}Technique Name: Shunpo Karin

Class: 5

Technique Type: Kidō

Technique Element: None

Technique Description and Effects:

The famous "partial Shunpo" technique. This allows the user to initiate a single movement at Shunpo speed with one limb. This cannot be used without initiating the forward momentum. The user will need to move their arm the way they normally would before this technique can be activated. Momentum for this technique cannot be controlled. This means once the user initiates this technique, they cannot stop their limb from the movement.

How to use technique:

Stated above.

Drawback:

Also stated above. Higher Reiatsu cost than normal Shunpo. Limit is once per post. More taxing on stamina than regular Shunpo.

Made by: Admin

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu}Shikai - 200
Shunpo [1x] - 50
Shunpo Karin - 100
Shikai - 10 MoW

Total Reiatsu: 900/1250
MoW: 10/10

Shikai: 1/10

[Deleted]

"Liar. Not only do you threaten the safety of those around us, but now you prey upon them? Revoking your word?! By blood may my spear earn its name. By Aries, may my shield carry my broken body home. Name me the Goddess of War, Yunorashi." These words made Orobas perk up, to say the least. They had grown very familiar with the key wordings and phrases for a Shinigami's release, and knew that this had to be one. That said, though, was this her Shikai or Bankai? Had the girl even obtained Bankai? So many questions were rising in the Akki's head that they weren't currently capable of answering, but that only went on to further excite them. After all, not knowing how a fight is going to turn out only works to make that fight that much more interesting.

That said, Orobas was quickly taken off guard once Celes disappeared through a Shunpo. Unfortunately for them, Celes was just too fast for them to be able to process, and they were quickly blindsided by the Shinigami launching herself behind them. The only thing that had been able to alert them of the Shinigami's sudden appearance was the shield slamming straight into their spine, definitely hard enough to knock the wind out of them. Naturally this led into Celes' follow-up, and Orobas quickly found themselves restrained by the girl within a matter of moments. When it came to the physical exchanges, Celes was easily at the advantage here.

Even with that said though, that wasn't to say that Orobas was exactly unprepared for something like this happening. Smirking in their new form, Orobas gripped at Celes' spear with one of their hands, and at the same time, forced their own form to pierce through their new skin. Unless Celes was willing to give up her spear for the time being, she likely could've found it difficult to dodge the mass of tentacles now piercing outward from Orobas' back, and extending a full length of 40 feet in order to try to pierce the girl. Two bodies in one day surely wasn't a bad deal, and wasn't something that Orobas was going to give up of they could help it. If this attack was successful, Orobas was going to take the opportunity to rip out a sliver of the girl's very soul, as well as begin the steady process into corrupting what remained of the girl's physical form.

Still though, Orobas' mind began to ponder just what this girl was going to do; hell, even just who she was. They could tell something was rather interesting about this girl, and that was something they wanted to fully explore and learn more about. Figuring out just what made Celes tick was now the goal here. That said, why not have a bit of fun with this all? While this was all going on, Orobas willed the three pods they've created over the duration of this fight to come to life oncemore, and drop out an additional three of these dog horrors. They'd absolutely come in handy later on, even if there was little point to having them take action at the current moment. Surely they'd make for interesting combatants.

Cuarta Etapa: 2/8

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu Pool & Soul Fragments}Reiatsu Pool: 9,675/15,000
-200 for Tercera Etapa Evisceration
-300 for Essence Reaver
-400 for Cellular Corruption
-1050 for 3 Class 2 Horrors

Soul Fragments: 1/6
+1 from Essence Reaver on Celes

SPOILER: Click to show

{Horror Stats}Horror A:
Class 2: 400 SP.

Strength: 10
Speed: 190
Reiatsu Strength: 0
Senses: 50
Instinct: 150

Horror B:
Class 2: 400 SP.

Strength: 10
Speed: 190
Reiatsu Strength: 0
Senses: 50
Instinct: 150

Horror C:
Class 2: 400 SP.

Strength: 10
Speed: 190
Reiatsu Strength: 0
Senses: 50
Instinct: 150

SPOILER: Click to show

{Essence Reaver}This technique is one of Orobas' more powerful techniques, but because of his power set, it comes with a heavy drawback. Orobas can make strong attacks against either his enemies or his horrors, stealing fragments of their souls in the process if Orobas is successful in a clash of his OS vs. the target's highest Spiritual stat. Using this technique against an NPC/RPC has a cost of 50 reiatsu, plus an additional 50 reiatsu for each class above 8 they are. Using this technique on a horror is going to cost Orobas 100 reiatsu, plus an additional 100 reiatsu for each Class above 8 that the horror is, for a maximum of 800 reiatsu on a Class 1 horror. These souls can be used to pay for any of Orobas' release techniques that require some kind of vitality or Horror sacrifice, effectively neutralizing the vitality and stamina drain on that respective technique. A total of 3 soul fragments can be stored at a single time, and attaining a new soul fragment replaces the oldest fragment obtained. Soul fragments are stored with the class of enemy they were gained from (I.e. a Class 3 horror will grant a Class 3 soul fragment). This can only be used once per horror, but this is reset if that horror and another are fused together.

In Tercera Etapa, a total of 6 soul fragments can be stored at a single time, and they can also be used to pay for a reiatsu cost of a non-release technique of a class equal to the soul fragment or lower. In Cuarta Etapa, the cost to Reave a Soul Fragment from a Horror is reduced by half, costing a maximum of 400 reiatsu on a Class 1 horror. In Quinta Etapa, when Essence Reaver is used on a Proliferator Type horror, the user instantly destroys the horror, but in return gains 6 soul fragments. Reaving a Proliferator can only occur once every other post.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Cellular Corruption}Once Tercera Etapa is entered, Orobas gains the ability to slowly begin to tear apart any beings he lands a melee attack against, slowly converting them into a horror. Upon landing a melee attack, Cellular Corruption can be activated for a cost of 600 reiatsu, and a target of an equal or lower class is then afflicted with Light Cellular Corruption. This debuff comes in multiple severities; Light, Average, Above Average, Heavy, Severe, and Critical. Depending on the severity, certain effects will take place. Once Cellular Corruption is applied, all of Orobas' applicable melee attacks apply Cellular Corruption until the debuff expires.

At Light Corruption, the victim will begin to feel their mind become clouded, and it will become hard to focus in combat. This effect can be resisted with at least a 1 in Battle Focus, Lack of Fear, or Calm Mind.

At Average Corruption, the victim’s mind is clouded even more, as whispers in unintelligible, horrific languages begin to fill their mind, further harming their ability to focus during combat, and potentially leave them vulnerable to making mistakes, such as harming an ally. This effect can be resisted with at least a 2 in Battle Focus or Calm Mind, or a 1 in Lack of Fear.

At Above Average Corruption, the whispers inside of the victim’s head get worse, causing these mistakes to be somewhat more severe as they're actively persuaded by these voices to commit atrocities, and requiring a 3 in Battle Focus or Calm Mind, or a 2 in Lack of Fear to resist the mental affects, and the victim’s own skin begins to slowly mutate and change shape, taking on similar appearances to that of Orobas’ release appearances. These changes aren’t anything severe at this rank, but will proceed to get worse with time.

At Heavy Corruption, these whispers begin to drown out the sound of anything else around the victim, requiring a 4 in Battle Focus or or Calm Mind, a 3 in Lack of Fear, or 3 points in two of the aforementioned skills just to focus on combat. The user’s skin begins to shift constantly, doing anything from changing color, to having skin peel off and rot, and sometimes betraying their own movements. A 2 in Strength of Will will negate this, and allow them to maintain control over their bodies.

At Severe Corruption, the user’s body will occasionally go as far as to stop functioning for a split second at a time as it continues to shift. These shifts will grow more severe over time, causing whole limbs to potentially go numb and split down the middle, and have miniature horrors sprout from underneath their skin. The times where those afflicted feel unable to control their own body grow worse and happen more often, negated by a 3 in Strength of Will.

At Critical Corruption, All of the previous effects still occur, being the whispers and the shifting, and for all intents and purposes the foe at Critical Corruption counts as a horror for the purpose of Orobas' other release techniques. Any technique that would require Orobas to sacrifice a horror simply inflicts the target with an attack equal to Orobas' OS. Those afflicted become unable to speak the language(s) they could previously, and instead can only resort to using those same horrific whispers that previously plagued their mind.

A new level of corruption is applied with each melee attack after the first, and certain stages of corruption only last for a certain amount of time. Light Corruption lasts 3 posts before it fades. Every other stage of corruption lasts for 2 posts, before it degrades into one stage below what it is (After two posts in Average corruption, it becomes Light Corruption). The exception to this rule is Critical Corruption, which lasts 3 posts. Every time Cellular Corruption is applied while in Critical Corruption, the duration is refreshed. Cellular Corruption can only be activated once per post. Any of these body-shifting affects immediately revert someone back to their original state once Orobas' release ends.

In Cuarta Etapa, the cost of Cellular Corruption is reduced to 400 reiatsu each time it’s afflicted instead of 600. In Quinta Etapa, Class 2 Horrors or above can inflict Cellular Corruption with their own melee strikes.

[Celes Castellanos]

It seemed that the Shinigami's plan was going as she believed. It was clear to the girl that on a strictly physical level, Orobas was no where near a challenge for her. If this were a contest using only physical prowess, Celes was sure that she did not even need to try. This was confirmed when her Shunpo put her behind the Akki and her shield slam connected. The large shield had come directly against Orobas spine and Celes could hear the crack as his body gave way for the shield. Despite his power, his original appearance did not lie. There was a fragility to him. Then again, Celes had a martial prowess rivaled by few in the Soul Society in physical strength.

Once Celes brought her spear around to choke out Orobas, she brought it roughly against his throat. To just about anyone, this may have elicited irreparable damage, but Celes knew he could take it. After all, it appeared that one of his unique qualities was to regenerate. Celes had taken note of this. Then again, as she brought her spear against his throat, Orobas did something that immediately put her on edge. His hand would come up against her spear. It felt like there was little struggling. It was then that Celes thought back to that moment. The tendrils that erupted from him when he consumed the woman whos form he was mimicking currently. Could...they erupt from any part of his body?

Every instinct in Celes' being warned her to flee. As she let go of her spear, she saw it. For a split second. A mass of tendrils began to erupt towards her. In this fraction of a second, Celes would suddenly dissapear. Once again, it a Shunpo, but there was something more unique about this one. If Orobas was still in proximity to Celes' starting location, the Akki may have felt it. Momentarily after the Shunpo, a sudden shockwave sounding like an explosion would erupt. If he was struck by this, he would most likely be launched and Celes was well aware of this. If he was in fact launched, Celes would use this to her advantage. Another Shunpo later and Celes would be next to Orobas.

If Orobas was struck by the Shunpo Eichi, Celes would appear beside him, matching his launch speed after completing her Shunpo. In a show of athleticism and martial prowess, Celes would then proceed to strike. To anyone else, she would have been appearing to spin in mid-air at a speed of 500. Similarly to her original strike against the Akki, her shield would come colliding with him, this time against the side of his torso. There was something more unique about this slam, however. Unlike before, this would carry even more strength behind it. In fact, for comparison, this shield slam would feel about 3x more devastating than the previous shield slam. Despite this, there was more.

If this shield slam connected with her Orobas, he would not only feel the slam, but something more rush through his body. It would be an interesting sensation. It would feel like a ripple rushing through his body although soon it may have felt uncomfortable. Suddenly, on the other side of his body, a 10 ft conal shockwave would launch out at a 500 speed. This shockwave would proceed to tear up the ground beneath it. This sudden slam, if it connected, would most likely send Orobas flying in the direction of the shockwave. If this was the case, Celes made sure to reach out to her spear and grip it. Due to her immense strength, her hand could hold on with an iron grip. 

Her goal, if this all went as planned, was simply to rip the spear from the Akki's hand. If she was successful, she would quickly rotate in midair to orient herself so that she slid on her feet as she touched the ground. Hopefully with spear and shield in hand, she would kneel and sigh. As she hit the ground, however, Celes gritted her teeth. There was a pain around her waist. Looking down, she saw it. A gash that traces the outer perimeter on the left side of her waist. Reflexively, her hand would come up against the wound as she applied intense pressure to try and force the wound to stop bleeding. In response to this, she bit her tongue. After all, she was applying a rather forceful amount of pressure. 

It was odd, though. Her muscles did not feel any weaker than before. The wound was not festering like before. Was she completely okay? Only time would tell, but she would make sure to keep up her guard. After all, even if the Akki was hit by her shield with that force, he could most likely recover it. Celes bit her lip. She had to ponder on this. Did she really have any way to even deal with this Akki? Could she harm him in any meaningful significant way. Each attack that she has thrown out so far has left her with little optimism as to the results. It truly did seem that he could simply regenerate most wounds that Celes inflicted upon him. Was it hopeless?

Almost as if on queue, she heard that oh so familiar voice resonate inside her mind. "Poor Celes. You know full well that you can't harm him. He's simply too powerful for you. After all. You're merely a Vice Captain. This is a challenge fit for a Captain. Then again...perhaps you could be. With my help. Let me lend you my strength Celes. It will benefit us both. You can beat him and I can prevent you from being foolish and end up killing yourself. All it will require...is your body. Sound fair?" Celes sighed and shook her head. She would speak out loud. "For the last time. I don't need you. You are a curse. A blight upon my soul. I'm strong enough...I know I am.." With that, she would go quiet as she simply waited to see what Orobas would do next.  

SPOILER: Click to show

{Shunpo Eichi}Technique Name: Shunpo Eichi

Class: 4

Technique Type: Kidō

Technique Element: None

Technique Description and Effects:

The "exploding Shunpo" technique. This allows the user, for a cost of 150 Reiatsu, to initiate a Shunpo. This Shunpo releases far more power, so anywhere within a meter of the user will be hit with an explosive shockwave equivalent to the user's physical Strength when the Shunpo is used.

How to use technique:

Stated above.

Drawback:

Stamina drain. Reiatsu cost. Can only be used twice per post.

Made by: [Admin]

SPOILER: Click to show

{Shield of Olympus - 1200 OS}Technique Name: Shield of Olympus

Technique Type: [Physical]

Usable By: Shinigami

Technique Element: [None]

Technique Description and Effects: Blessed with the strength and agility of the Spartans, Shield of Olympus is a supreme display of ruthlessness and brutality. Spinning once in a circle, Celes slams any poor and unfortunate victim with her mighty shield. The target in question feels a ripple run through their entire body causing extreme discomfort if the slam alone was not dazing enough. This slam is equal to her OS. This is not the end of it, however. The brutality of the slam echoes a small shockwave behind its target. As the ripple rips through the opponents' body, it also creates a 10 ft conal shockwave behind the target which effectively hits anything in a 10 ft arc behind her original target with a shockwave equal to her OS. The speed of this technique and the corresponding shockwave is equal to her speed. This means that the spin which leads into a slam moves equal to her speed and the shockwave radiates out from the target equal to her speed.

3 Marks of War - If Celes spends 3 Marks of War while initiating this technique, the OS of this technique and corresponding shockwave is increased by 50% I.E If Celes has 1000 OS, the slam and shockwave hit with 1500 OS.

6 Marks of War - If Celes spends 6 Marks of War while initiating this technique, this technique gains an OS boost of 2x for the purposes of overcoming defensive techniques such as Blut and Hierro. In fact, if Celes' modified OS exceeds the defensive durability of techniques like Hierro and Blut, the technique not only become shattered by Shield of Olympus, but also becomes unusable for 2 posts. For example, if Celes hits an opponent with Hierro and her 2x OS beats the OS for the Hierro, not only does she break the Hierro, but the target cannot reactivate their Hierro for 2 posts.

Technique Drawbacks: Despite the brutality of this technique, there are a number of drawbacks to the technique. First and foremost, it is rather committal. Once Celes begins the spin, she has to follow all the way through. This means that if the hit is blocked, dodged or resisted, it opens up Celes for counterattack. Additionally, for the technique to even work, Celes has to hit an initial target. While this could include a wall, if Celes does not hit a target, this technique does not work. Additionally, when Celes sacrifices Marks of War to utilize the technique, they will be spent no matter if the technique itself is blocked, resisted or dodged. Even when spending 6 Marks of War, the 2x bonus is only for overcoming defensive techniques. If the opponent is not using a defensive technique such as Hierro, Shield of Olympus will strike with its base OS. Finally, using Shield of Olympus successfully or not incurs an internal cooldown of 2 posts before it can be used again.

Made By: Celes Shindazu

Reserved? Yes

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu}Shunpo Eichi - 150
Shunpo - 50

Total Reiatsu: 700/1250
MoW: 10/10

Corruption: Light

Shikai: 2/10

[Deleted]

This girl was just relentless, wasn't she? As Orobas launched spiked tendrils from their back, they were quickly met with opposition from the Shinigami, though in a rather interesting way. As Celes left the area due to what was presumably a Shunpo, Orobas was taken back when this burst of movement was used offensively; an explosion of force from her origin, in fact. Having caught the Akki by surprise, they were forced to take the brunt of the hit, and were launched much to how Celes had looked to do. They gripped the spear tightly in their hand. Having now acquired the girl's primary offensive tool, they easily had the advantage in this situation. All that was to be done now was to regain composure.

Thankfully, Celes made herself quite obvious with her follow-ups, being a physical fighter. It wasn't hard for the Akki to predict that some sort of assault was going to follow, and as such, they quickly launched themselves straight downward from their position in the air, completely cutting their momentum and transferring it into a different direction thanks to years upon years of time taken to master Placidus. Sure, they'd certainly suffer from the momentum jostling, but it was far better than anything that girl could've looked to do against them. They took what little time they could in order to catch their breath, and heal their wounds. Within seconds, they'd be back in top shape, aside from a bit of a heavy breath.

Meanwhile, the three horrors that had been previously created began to sprint toward each other, and eventually collide together. Within seconds, they began to fuse and meld together, with flesh searing together with flesh, and an entirely new amalgamation beginning to form. This beast heavily resembled what one would expect from a dire wolf; absolutely massive in size, with bits of bone and various sinew piercing through the beast. It shook its fur, and turned to face Orobas. The Akki simply smirked. The beast appeared incredibly sturdy, as though it had been ready to take a hit at a moment's notice. At the same time, three more of these somewhat lesser wolves began to form. Within seconds, Orobas had quite the pack beginning to form.

"Well then, Celes," they began to say, "that was a nasty little trick you'd just tried to pull. I'll have you know, though, you're not going to get nearly as lucky next time. Also, don't make it so easy to disarm you like that; that's the last thing you'd want in combat, you know." With that said, Orobas simply tossed the girl back her spear, letting it clang to the pavement. While that was the case, they wasted no time in looking to press an assault in retaliation against the girl. Closing the distance with Placidus, Orobas aimed to thrust their left arm into the uninjured side of the girl's waist.

If the girl tried to escape linearly, she'd be met with a rather large number of tendrils forming from Orobas' wrist, similarly to how she'd originally been struck. These tendrils were prepared to chase the girl's movement, provided she remained within range of the strike. Orobas then took the time to make a hop backward, in order to create a bit of distance. After all, they were much more of a hit-and-run fighter. Holding out their left hand, a set of rather ornate daggers began to materialize around them, hovering not six inches from any point away from the Akki's body.

Taking their left hand, Orobas quickly one of these hovering daggers through their palm, with a wince of pain. From there, they wasted no time in holding their palm outward. The four wolves that had just been created quickly made haste near Orobas, prepared to defend against any incoming strike from the girl on the off-chance she would try to stop them. From there, the Akki recited a familiar incantation. “Ye lord! Mask of flesh and bone, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Truth and temperance, upon this sinless wall of dreams unleash but slightly the wrath of your claws! Hado #33: Sokatsui!”

As they finished speaking, another orb of flare and flesh launched outward from their hand at rather tremendous speeds, not toward Celes, but once again toward another building that had stood tall. After seeing that the girl was willing to take a severe hit in order to protect some lowly human lives, they had decided to take it upon themselves in order to actually make that opportunity known. It was hard to say whether the girl could take another hit of this magnitude straight to the face again, but it was certainly something that Orobas wanted to see happen. Especially after all that girl had done to tire them out to this point.

Cuarta Etapa: 3/8

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu Pool & Soul Fragments}Reiatsu Pool: 7,925/15,000
-200 for Placidus
-0 for Specialized Fusion via Birthing Pod
-200 for Placidus
-200 for Tercera Etapa Evisceration
-1050 for Class 2 Horror creation x3
-100 for Sokatsui

Soul Fragments: 0/6
-1 for Specialized Horror Fusion

SPOILER: Click to show

{Horror Stats}
Defender Type Specialized Horror:
Class 1: 1000 SP.

Strength: 600 [900]
Speed: 200
Reiatsu Strength: 0
Senses: 100
Instinct: 100

Horror A:
Class 2: 400 SP.

Strength: 10
Speed: 190
Reiatsu Strength: 0
Senses: 50
Instinct: 150

Horror B:
Class 2: 400 SP.

Strength: 10
Speed: 190
Reiatsu Strength: 0
Senses: 50
Instinct: 150

Horror C:
Class 2: 400 SP.

Strength: 10
Speed: 190
Reiatsu Strength: 0
Senses: 50
Instinct: 150

[Celes Castellanos]

Celes continued to press her advantage. To some degree, she did feel bad. His former appearance gave him some charm. It gave him an aura of fragility. His blindness gave him something to be sorry for. Yet despite that, Celes was not going to show mercy. Not because he was an Akki. No. She didn't care what anyone was as long as they had their own merits in combat. This one, however. He was a genius. At the same time, he was cruel. Unforgivable. He was a predator. It was a trait that Celes despised. She hated him for it. For what he would do to get any advantage. It was due to this that Celes would not give him any rest if she could avoid it. As she pressed on the Akki displayed quite an interesting set of skills.

Almost as if he had hit a solid brick wall, his momentum changed. He began to fall downward. As he hit the ground, the feminine form was visibly winded. It seemed that Celes had done some damage as usual. Yet now, she was without one of her weapons. Orobas now had it and Celes scoffed. Typically she cared very little about physical injury, but this one. He could inflict maladies upon the soul. This made Celes none too keen on taking too many head on assaults from him. As expected, he began to heal his wounds causing Celes to grin a little. He would make the perfect sparring partner. Able to be broken and fixed. Shame that he had to be the way he was. 

That being said, Celes began to watch three of the hounds that were spawned from Orobas. Within mere moments, the three were leaping onto one another. As they did this, the group seemed to congeal and shape themselves into a large canine. Celes could deduce that it was similar to a direwolf. As three more spawned, it seemed that Orobas had his own little set of minions. This made Celes chuckle as she cracked her neck and sighed. She began to listen to Orobas speak. "That was a nasty little trick you'd just tried to pull. I'll have you know, though, you're not going to get nearly as lucky next time. Also, don't make it so easy to disarm you like that; that's the last thing you'd want in combat, you know."

As he said this, Celes chuckled and would chime in herself. "Touché. I will say that you certainly have the skill to back up your claims of being at the top of the Food chain in Hell below Lucifer himself. In truth, I will even say that I am honored to do battle with you. If you didn't jeopardize those around us...then maybe I'd even consider having a cup of coffee and discussing ancient war strategy. Though, it seems we've passed that point...what a shame." It was then that Orobas seemed to toss the spear back at Celes. With alacrity, the Shinigami caught it before it hit the pavement. At this point, she was on high alert. After all, he had those wolves at his disposal and he displayed prowess in melee combat even though he did not share Celes' penchant for physical strength. 

It was then that Orobas suddenly vanished. As he appeared near Celes to seemingly attempt the same trick twice, this time aiming at her uninjured waist, the Shinigami sprang into action. Using her natural speed, she would hop into the air towards Orobas at an impressed natural speed of 500. Noticing that the tendrils were following her movements, she would begin to arc her jump towards Orobas. As Celes was faster, she had doubts about Orobas ability to move naturally in response to this. Her foot would attempt to tap on top of Orobas head though it wasn't with much force. It was more of a graceful landing on his head. If she succeeded, she would kick off, once again gracefully. This would cause no physical harm towards Orobas, instead just letting him act like a springboard. With her natural speed, Celes would quickly land dozens of feet away from the Akki. 

She would proceed to look at Orobas trying to study his next movement. Unfortunately for her, his next actions would foretell an ill omen for Celes. Summoning his dagger again, the Akki cut into his hand again. A clear wince was visible as he began to say the incantation. By this point, Celes was very familiar with this incantation. “Ye lord! Mask of flesh and bone, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Truth and temperance, upon this sinless wall of dreams unleash but slightly the wrath of your claws! Hado #33: Sokatsui!” The wolves moved to Orobas just before this happened, seemingly to protect him. Celes was in no real position to retaliate against the actual incantation. She was hoping it was aimed towards her. She prayed. It seemed that it fell on deaf ears.

Orobas hand was outstretched towards a building causing Celes' expression to grimace, her face darkening. Could she really do it again? Before she moved, the voice echoed in her mind again. "Celes you fool! Don't do it!!! You will kill us both!!!" The voice sounded frantic. Celes sighed. Perhaps he was right. Perhaps this would spell their end. But...her honor meant the world to her. Without it, she was nothing. Without it, she was no different from Orobas. This is why Celes had to do this. In an instant, she disappeared again. She would appear in front of the orb of fire as she generated a natural air ground beneath her feet. Concentrating she began to flex her arms. 

Before the Sokatsui made contact, Celes proceeded to chamber her arms. Suddenly, with explosive force, her arm would shoot out like a bullet from its gun at speed of 1000. Meanwhile, her other arm shot out at a speed of 500. This pattern would repeat over mere moments. To anyone able to see her, her arms may have appeared to be moving in a blur. The punches seemed endless in those few moments. Tens..no. A hundred punches were shot out at the Sokatsui. This repeated barrage was enough to cancel out the technique, but Celes paid a terrible price. Her muscles began to throb as her hands were bloody and charred. She began to fall to the ground. In mere moments, her body would fall with a thud. 

As she planted against the ground, a notable crack forming in the concrete, Celes breathing was abnormal. The world began to darken as though it had a grey filter. Time seemed to slow as the Shinigami heard a voice. Standing above her was Yukito who smirked down at her. "Impress work Vice Captain. Even less damage than before, but clearly in no shape to continue. I told you Celes. You cannot beat him. I suppose I have to step in. After all, I've seen what he can do. If he can steal your body then there won't be enough left for me. Just remember. I don't hold the same sentimental value that you do for these bags of meat. They will perish soon anyway." 

Unfortunately for Celes, her consciousness began to fade. She didn't even have time to protest. Meanwhile, only a second passed in real time. Before another breath could be drawn, the seemingly unconscious Vice Captain's reiatsu began to spike. As it rose, little white fragments of reiatsu began to float towards Celes, most notably to her face. If Orobas was sensing Celes' reiatsu, he would've felt an odd sensation. Her reiatsu was no longer just that of a Shinigami. The signature began to develop traces of a Hollows reiatsu. Soon it began to grow. Slowly, but surely as it burst outward. Now her reiatsu would've been sensed as predominantly Hollow-like. Additionally the mask began to form fully, developing what appeared to be a hoplite helmet, covering only the front of her face. 

As Celes stood there, clearly possessed by something, she would crack her neck from side to side slowly. As she opened her eyes, adjusting it to the light, her orbits would be unique. Black sclera with yellow irises and a serious look decorating her face. With a pronounced sigh, the voice started to sound like Celes, smooth and feminine. As she continued, however, the voice would sound more distorted. More masculine. [smear:5cd72a]Well now. It's been a while since I've manifested out here. Curious.[/smear:c93800] His eyes proceeded to focus on Orobas as she looked him up and down. The voice then continued, now sounding far more masculine. "I see you are the one who's been giving Celes here a hard time. Clever to use the innocent as a shield and distraction. Celes never could get over them..." He would not move, instead staring the Akki down. 

SPOILER: Click to show

{Hollowfied Stats}Strength - 1600
Speed - 1000
Spiritual Pressure - 250
Reiatsu Strength - 50
Light Aura- 90
Dark Aura - 10
Instinct - 300
Senses - 150
Energy Sensory - 50
Healing Expertise - 0

SPOILER: Click to show

{Gigei Mikon: Hyuku Shikon}Technique Name: Gigei Mikon: Hyaku Shikon [Wild Arts: Hundred Fangs]

Class: 3

Technique Type: Other

Technique Element: None

Technique Description and Effects:

This technique was developed in order to increase the user's strength in hand-to-hand combat. Using this technique sends Reiatsu pooling into the muscles and joints of his arms and hands, strengthening them and increasing their resilience. By using that same Reiatsu, he sends powerful impulses to the nerves that allows his limbs to react quickly in the form of a hundred powerful punches. Each one is fired off at twice the user's current Speed stat, causing his limbs to blur as the attacks are delivered in a sudden barrage that lasts only a few seconds. Each hit’s damage is equal to the combined total of user’s base Strength and Speed after type. This causes a massive amount of damage in a short time.

How to use technique: The user focuses their Reiatsu into the arms, strengthening the muscles and bones first to prevent excessive damage from overuse of the limbs. Following that, the same Reiatsu is channeled into the nerves and causes them to fire impulses rapidly, making his limbs move quickly in the form of a hundred lightning-fast blows.

Drawback: Moving one’s limbs beyond their natural limits causes strain and damage on the muscles and bone; though Reiatsu is first channeled to prevent the worst of the damage, each use of this technique wears down the muscles and causes them to throb heavily after only one use. Two uses within five posts causes the muscles to begin tearing, and small fractures along the bone. Three uses within five posts will completely tear several muscles while cracking the bones, and any additional uses within that initial five posts will render the user's arms useless without proper healing. This technique can only safely be used eight times within a thread without healing.

Requirements: This requires a 2 in Hakuda to perform.

Made by: [Zeich Yajuu]

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu}Shunpo - 50
Disciple of War - 5

Total Reiatsu: 1900/2500
MoW: 5/10

Corruption: Light

Shikai: 3/10

[Deleted]

Orobas couldn't help but stare dumbfounded at the girl that had just taken one hell of a hit. She'd been able to survive it once before, so it wasn't really a wonder that she'd be able to do it again, but she didn't seem to be taking the hit all that well as she seemingly collapsed to the ground. Orobas smirked; they'd felt they won. Thankfully this charade of a "spar" was over now, and they'd be able to grab yet another body from this little excursion. Surely nobody would miss a Shinigami like that, no?

Naturally, that sentiment went straight to waste as the Akki had quickly picked up on key traces of hollow energies emanating from the girl. They quickly snapped their head back to face the girl who had just been getting up now, and watched in absolute interest. As their eyes continued to focus the girl, the three lesser horrors that had been originally been created previously began to rush into each other and similarly fused together, forming yet another wolf, though this one was quite different; it seemed much more poised to strike than the other, but still maintained an imposing nature to it.

"Well, well, well," Orobas began to speak, "and who might you be? I certainly have to say that I'm impressed you've managed to hold up so well so far. You've certainly piqued my interest from the start, Celes, not even beginning to mention what I'm seeing in front of me right now. To think I'd see a Vizard of sorts today; I'll be the first to admit, I've only ever heard of your kind. This has to be my first experience encountering someone like you."

Upon finishing speaking, Orobas began to hold up somewhat of a fighting stance, similarly to how they'd been standing the entire time. The key difference here, though, is that it took on a more physically imposing position than what they'd held before; almost as though they'd been preparing for a physical confrontation of sorts, instead of playing the range game like they had been so far the entire time. What was to come was certainly up in the air, but nonetheless it was a very interesting situation. "Say, Celes, hollow, perhaps I could help the two of you hone this power? Come with me back to hell for the time being; we'll work to get you into top shape. I'll give you the choice now to either escape or take me up on that offer. Please do note that I will drag you down there myself should you fall today, girl."

Cuarta Etapa: 4/8

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu Pool & Soul Fragments}
Reiatsu Pool: 7,525/15,000
-400 for Specialized Fusion

SPOILER: Click to show

{Horror Stats}Defender Type Specialized Horror:
Class 1: 1000 SP.

Strength: 600 [900]
Speed: 200
Reiatsu Strength: 0
Senses: 100
Instinct: 100

Attacker Type Specialized Horror:
Class 1: 1000 SP.

Strength: 50
Speed: 100
Reiatsu Strength: 650 [975]
Senses: 100
Instinct: 100

[Celes Castellanos]

As her warped orbits fell upon Orobas, she began to study him. Or at least the Hollow did to try and get a read on his intentions. After all, there fight had begun to become ugly. He had to play this carefully as not even he knew if the limited amount of time that he could spend as a manifestation would be enough to beat Orobas. With that, he simply began ponder about certain options. Flee? No. He couldn't until he knew for sure that she would not be followed by him. Orobas has certainly shown himself to lack honor. Where as Celes held this virtue to a high standard, it apparently fell on deaf ears for Orobas. For now, he would listen to what he had to say if anything.

"Well, well, well," The repetition admittedly made the Hollow chuckle as she continued to listen. "and who might you be? I certainly have to say that I'm impressed you've managed to hold up so well so far. You've certainly piqued my interest from the start, Celes, not even beginning to mention what I'm seeing in front of me right now. To think I'd see a Vizard of sorts today; I'll be the first to admit, I've only ever heard of your kind. This has to be my first experience encountering someone like you." The Hollow simply tilted his head and chuckled a little more. Focusing her eyes on Orobas, she would chime in herself, responding to this clear expression of awe. 

The voice still sounded distorted, but less so now as the Hollow began to pry more control from Celes. "Curious. I would imagine someone of your age. Someone who has been around for millennia would come across even one of us. Though I can't say that I am surprised. We tend to be well hidden. I only began manifesting recently once Celes was able to become stronger. Then again, it's that same strength that allows me to do what I do. In truth, I came out here to try and fight you today. Though I have to admit that even I'm not entirely sure if I could beat you in my current state. Not out of lack of skill. But well.." She paused for a moment and chuckled, a departure from the Hollows usual stoic behavior.

"Celes has proven that she can certainly take a lot of punishment. Yet she has chosen to sacrifice her body for these poor creatures that are likely to die in a decade or so. Give or take a few years." Possessing Celes' body, the Shinigami began to pace back and forth in place while keeping her eye on the Akki. "Yet Celes continued to defend them. Instead of pressing an advantage against you. Sentimentality. Weakness at its finest. Then again, someone like you, cast into the bowels of Hell have seemed to shed that weak trait. Underhandedness. Exploitation. Predatorial. All traits that take advantage of someone like Celes. I myself do not share her obsession with Honor. I don't tend to work outside of the parameters too much lest I have to back control to her." 

As the Hollow finished speaking, he continued pacing back and forth, waiting to see what Orobas had to say. "Say, Celes, hollow, perhaps I could help the two of you hone this power? Come with me back to hell for the time being; we'll work to get you into top shape. I'll give you the choice now to either escape or take me up on that offer. Please do note that I will drag you down there myself should you fall today, girl." Upon hearing this, the Hollow paused for a moment. Was he being serious? Given Orobas' former betrayals, not even the Hollow was sure if he could trust those words. Then again, perhaps this was a chance to cast of Celes once and for all. Even then, Celes had a strong will and the Hollow was not sure if that would be easy. 

Stopping in place, his eyes settled on Orobas once more, looking up for a moment as if to ponder the situation. "Being dragged with you to Hell to get stronger. Well now. That's an interesting proposal. A nice vacation in Hell to improve my abilities. Under your tutelage no less. What an honor." The expression on Celes' face would become stoic, however. "I'm afraid I will have to disappoint once more. For one, being dragged to Hell certainly does not have appeal. Second, even if I desired to, I'm sure Celes would not share that excitement. For you see, I can only remain manifested for so long. Times of great danger like with you is like a call to arms for me." 

Sighing and closing his eyes for a moment, the Hollow began to ponder on Orobas' alternative. He really was prepared to let them go? Was he that sure of himself? That he could take them on? The Hollow was no stupid. He had a suspicion that Orobas had more in store. Hiding something vile and dangerous. That being said, Celes would absolutely despise him for it if he decided to retreat. Perhaps it was the best option though. Being brought back to reality, he would continue speaking. "Offering me escape. Well aren't you gracious. It seems that there truly is a gentleman buried beneath the monster." Another sigh would arise from the Shinigami's lips.

Suddenly, Celes' Zanpakutou would begin to warp for a moment. Changing shape, they would return back to two twin Zanpakutou. With the two Zanpakutou in hand, the Hollow would swing down to his left and right. Spraying off the blood as he began to sheath both. Cracking his neck from side to side, he spoke calmly. "While I would certainly love to see how I stack up against you, I'm afraid I cannot risk Celes making a stupid mistake and sacrificing herself. We shall met again Orobas. I hope that you will be willing to entertain my own thirst for blood and see how I stack up in comparison to Celes." With that, Celes would suddenly disappear from sight. A Shunpo carrying her at incredible speeds, far faster than anything that Orobas had been able to witness from Celes of late. 

---

After a few minutes of travel and establishing enough distance between the two of them, the Hollow slowly felt a voice at the edge of his consciousness this time. "H..How could you? Retreat? Coward!" The Hollow simply shook his head as he landed atop a building. He would begin to speak, replying to Celes. "Listen here. I might as well have saved your life just now. Besides..." The Hollow closed his eyes for a moment. As the void hit his vision, he was now inside of the Inner World on the battle-torn and warped side. Standing before him was Celes. The Hollow just sighed. "He was going to make you one of his forms I bet. Dragging you back to Hell should you fall. Oh we both know you would've fallen Celes. You put up a good fight, but not even you could defeat him." 

Celes made a fist as she looked at the Hollow. She would speak out. "You retreat. I can't just be for my well-being. What's your game?" The Hollow looked at her with cold eyes. "Simple. If you die, I die. If he takes your body, I cannot take it for myself. Naïve girl." Sighing somewhat, the Hollow continued. "My control will break soon. Once it does, you will pass out momentarily. Take this time to head back to the Soul Society. By the time we are back, even if you pass out, my reiatsu should dissipate." With that, in reality, the mask began to crack into numerous pieces, disappearing in the wind. Celes, who was now in control, felt lethargic and weak. Almost as though her consciousness was going to fade soon. Quick thinking, she used her Zanpakutou to open a gate to the Soul Society, quickly hopping through. The gates would shut behind her.

While walking in the Dangai, Celes began to whimper. The pain of her burns was beginning to become severe. Her consciousness was going to fade soon. She couldn't pass out now. Not yet. She had to make it through. Each step become heavier and heavier. Her vision started to become black. It was with one final step that she had made it through. The light of the Soul Society suddenly almost appeared to flashbang her. Her eyes needed to adjust as some officers of Squad 13 simply looked at her. She looked terrible. Her body riddled with cuts, burns, dust and fatigue. She would have a bit to explain once she came to. With that, the Shinigami suddenly fell over, falling to her knees as the last of her light flickered out of existence. 

---

As she awoke, she was in a bed. In comparison to what she had to endure, this felt like she was about to sink into a deep slumber again. She looked at her body. Her wounds were wrapped. Her burns were still being treated, but they looked far better than before. Yet there was something that gnawed at her. Even despite the Hollow within her saving her life essentially, she retreated from a fight. She was not strong enough to end what was a threat to everything she stood for. Moreover, that vision. Being taken back to that alley and seeing her sister. It was debilitating. With that, Celes would fall back into a slumber, wanting to rest and reconcile all this later. As she fell asleep, a single tear dripped down her cheek and then darkness.

[Deleted]

After speaking, Orobas simply sat by and waited for the Shinigami to finish speaking. They needed not interject, especially when valuable information could've been given for the time being. They could easily feel the amount of spiritual energies flowing from the girl's body at this point, there was no doubt that she'd be on par, if not even stronger than they were ready to admit to. A fight like that would certainly test their strength, but in their already weakened state, that wasn't something they were particularly looking to do at this very moment. Other things simply took priority over engagements like this. As they finished speaking, Orobas simply nodded.

"Well then," they spoke as the shinigami was getting ready to leave, "I can assure you that our paths will cross again some day. Though, when that day is might be left up for debate. That said, I very much look forward to it, both of you. I especially look forward to studying all that I can about your kind, hollow, so please do note that by the time we do meet again, I'll know exactly how to combat you. I can't imagine that there aren't more of people like you, no? Surely I'll be able to find one if I look hard enough." And with that, they gave a devious smirk to the girl and let her leave.

Letting out a sigh, Orobas began to walk the streets while still exerting that same gravitational force that forced almost every human straight to the ground. Holding out their hand, they began to command both wolves that had been created in front of them. They sat down immediately, and Orobas went to pet each of their heads, with each one happily pushing their heads against the Akki's hands. The fight had been over now, and a lot had been accomplished. For one, Orobas knew exactly what their next goal was; getting that girl into hell.

That said, there were a few things that needed to be done in order to enact that plan. For one, they needed to get back into hell. As they took a deep breath, They held their hand straight down to the ground, as a sever into the ground began to form, opening up and dragging the three of these beings falling into the abyss, and inevitably being taken back down into hell, where they belong. Now home, Orobas began to plan out what exactly needs to be done in order to corrupt a vizard.

[Col Arana]

178 paragraphs. Nice work you two.

890 TP will be awarded to both of you.