High Rank Urgent Quest: Tipping the Scales [DP]

[Ailene Haschiro]

Thread Title: High Rank Hunt: Tipping the Scales [Cinematic DP]
Participants: Celes Shindazu & Ailene Haschiro
World: Human World
Death Setting: Permanent Injuries Enabled
Rating: R
Location: At a bustling local University in Karakura Town.
Special Conditions: N/A
Circumstances: It was a beautiful day. A clear blue sky serenaded by birds chirping. Yet Karakura University was being besieged by its greatest threat. The new student that was Ailene. Choosing to audit several classes after paying her dues Ailene would be intercepted by the Captain of the Tenth Division, Celes Shindazu. Her mission? Eliminate the threat of the Arrancar.

[Ailene Haschiro]

Ring. Ring. Ring. The infernal sound echoes throughout the room. Right beside the blaring alarm clock, the form of an Arrancar would shift. Reaching outward, she would try to hit the off switch. Multiple times her hand would hit the side as she whimpered a little. Finally after one successful hit to the large button at the top, Ailene would rise from her sheets. Her vision was blurry and she just felt groggy. Stretching her arms above her head she could not help, but yawn. Taking the alarm clock into her hand and looking at the time, Ailene realized just what she had set it for. Today was her first day as an official student at Karakura University!

Leaping to her feet, Ailene was already on her way to starting her morning ritual. She had about an hour to prepare. That would be more than enough time. First she began to set up her tea. Going with her usual favorite of Pomegranate tea. Setting up the tea bag by allowing it to sit in an empty cup, Ailene also began prepping the hot water. Her electric water cooker was a godsend for her. After all, it allowed her to make her tea without the need for needing to go to the Human World every time she wanted to prep a soothing hot cup of tea. Next Ailene was looking to prep her clothes. Allowing the kettle to sizzle, Ailene returned to the inner sanctum of her quarters as she slowly set out her Espada uniform.

Since it took the appearance of a scholars' robes albeit taking inspiration from fantastical magical robes, Ailene was sure that she not going to get much pushback. Besides, the University had no official dress-code and it stood to reason that only a small population of the student body would even be able to see her, much less acknowledge her. As she got dressed, Ailene walked over to a counter. Pulling one from a set of needles out of a jar, she expertly tied her hair into a bun as she simply stuck the needle in to keep it in place. The Esapda was almost ready to go. Now all she needed was her study material and her tea. She smiled in anticipation. 

It was time to get her study material. Transitioning into the study hall that served as the central hub for any guests along with a collection of various books, artifacts and other valuable materials, Ailene got her satchel. Using an air ground to traverse the various hundred foot tall bookshelves, Ailene started to collect the books that she needed. The first of these was Biomedical Ethics, 8th Edition: A Practical Approach to Ethical Decisions in Clinical Medicine. Biomedical ethics had always been a topic of fascination for the Arrancar. Now she could learn all she could about it under the tutelage of an expert in the field. She felt that this would likely be one of her favorite classes. 

The second of these would be in a much smaller section of Ailene's overall collection. Ancient Magic and Ritual Power. She could not explain why, but she was interested in how the mere mortal viewed faith. How it governed their lives. Much more than that, Ailene was curious about ancient beliefs in magick and ritualistic practices. She then went to get the final of her three books. Gordis Epidemiology 6th Edition. Being able to manifest a form of the plague and having a genuine interest in most kinds of disease, Ailene was fascinated by the manners in which diseases spread, how they affected a population and then how these populations would respond to epidemics. 

As she was finishing setting the last book into her satchel she heard the familiar and warming sound. Ding! The tea was ready. Carefully descending from the stairwell of reishi that were forming under her bare feet, Ailene made her way to the kettle. As she poured the steaming water from its prison into the cup, she made sure to wait several minutes. She always liked to wait an exact six minutes. Her thoughts would drift until her mental clock for the tea went off. She proceeded to take the bag out as she let the familiar reiatsu of a Cero flow through her finger. With a mere touch the used bag would light up and seer to ash. Using her free hand she then let the ash fall and dissipate. 

With a gentle hum she then proceeded to enjoy her tea. The rich taste of the pomegranate filled her with joy as she let her mind drift. Taking a sip of the tea every now and then she was in an utterly relaxed state. As she finished the last drop of tea, Ailene knew it was time to go. Setting her empty cup onto the table, Ailene's finger was guided along an empty space in front of her. The air began to contort and compress as a void of black opened before her. The familiar site of a Garganta. She would with a slow cadence step into the Garganta as it closed momentarily behind her. The Espada would be wrapped in perpetual darkness for a few moments as the other side slowly shone light. 

With an eager leap, Ailene would find herself under a beautiful evening sky as the sun was beginning to set. Turned out that her classes took place in the evening to nighttime. Not that she minded. While she did not require sleep in the conventional sense, she still felt rejuvenated after her little power nap. As she looked around she saw students from all walks of life. Different socioeconomic statuses and so forth. Some were giving her odd looks while others simply ignored her presence. Ailene simply chuckled as she prepared to make her way onto the official campus grounds to start auditing courses. After all, that is what she came for as she hoped for no rude interruptions.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats & Skills}Stats while Sealed
Strength - 40
Speed - 120
Spiritual Pressure - 300 
Reiatsu Strength - 400 
Light Aura - 50
Dark Aura - 50
Instinct - 250
Senses - 40
Energy Sensory - 20
Healing Expertise - 160

Stats while Released
Strength - 100 
Speed - 300 
Spiritual Pressure - 750
Reiatsu Strength - 1000
Light Aura - 0
Dark Aura - 100
Instinct - 375
Senses - 100 
Energy Sensory - 50
Healing Expertise - 400

Total SP: [1900 Points]

[Analyzing] [3]
[Calm Mind] [3]
[Cero Mastery] [3]
[Battle Analysis] [3]
[Pain Tolerance] [3]
[Weapon: Natural Weapons] [1]

[Celes Castellanos]

The familiar sound of clashing of steel. Clouds of dirt and dust rising from the floor. Celes would be found sparring with a long time friend of hers, Venus. Having met her early in her retirement as a Shinigami, Celes developed a bond with Venus. Now having ascended to Captaincy of the Tenth Division, Venus was very eager to see where the Captain was in her skills. Clash after clash, the two of them would go at one another. After a few moments Venus would find herself being knocked to the ground with a blade to her throat. She would look at Celes with eyes that could kill. At least for a moment. Soon Venus broke into laughter as Celes followed. 

Withdrawing her blade from her friends' neck, Celes closed her eyes as she tried to stop laughing. After a few moments Celes would reach down to grab Venus' hand. Using her impressive strength she would pull Venus up with a heave. The retired Shinigami simply sighed. "You've certainly improved Celes. I am very pleased to see just how far you've come since your days in the Academy. Though.." She would let the pain in her chest radiate through her body as she chuckled. "You should likely learn a little restraint Celes. We are friends after all." Celes blushed a little as she conceded to Venus' comment. "Well..perhaps I was a little rough in hindsight." 

Venus would place her hand upon Celes' shoulder comfortingly as she lead her to the steps that would lead into the Tenth Division Barracks. "Well. We should likely get something to eat. After all it will likely help you relax." Celes smiled, but that smile would not last very long. Looking into the distance she would see the approach of the Hell Butterfly. Part of her was hoping it would land on Venus, but another part of her thought that was ridiculous. Venus was retired after all. She would rarely be sent on missions unless there was no other alternative. Unsurprisingly it would fly around Celes. The Captain begrudgingly held her hand out as she waited for the message.

Once the blackened Butterfly landed, Celes' eyes widened. She stood up with a jerky leap as she looked at Venus. "They need me to report to the Human World immediately. Apparently there is a report of hollow reiatsu around a University in Karakura Town. Specifically an Arrancar. Based on the description of the robes, they fear it is an Espada." Venus' own eyes widened as she looked downright shock. She had little words for this situation. Especially an Espada. "Just..be careful Celes. I don't need to tell you that this will be dangerous. Stay on your toes. Remain focused. I'm sure you will prevail Celes." A smile arose on Celes as she made her way to the Senkaimon.

Her movements would be swift. Moving at speeds well exceeding 500, she would find herself at the Senkaimon in several minutes. As she ascended the sterile marble stairway she looked upon the Kido Corps who were overlooking the Senkaimon. "Halt. Captain Shindazu. What brings you here?" Celes was already a little annoyed. Proper use of her designation for one and being stopped. She simply breathed out calmly as she tried her best to relax. "Mission to the Human World. Karakura University to be exact. Reports have an Arrancar threat have been reported so I am being sent to assess and neutralize the threat. Please do open the Senkaimon." The members of the Kido Corp looked at one another before nodding.

-- 5 minutes later --

The doors of the Senkaimon slowly opened as they materialized within the Human World. Emerging from the traditional Japanese styled gateway, dressed in a white haori bearing the mark of the Tenth Division, Celes' eyes immediately scanned the surrounding area. From her vantage point she could see a large portion of the campus. She saw students of many walks of life. Some of different socioeconomical status, other who dressed in a variety of ways from goth to jocks. In truth Celes thought that these social stereotypes ended before rising to this prestigious level of education. It seemed that she was mistaken. Though as she continued to scan the crowed, she saw her.

At first glance her quarry would appear rather human. Even her robes despite being of Hueco Mundo seemed normal, but different in their own way. Despite this, the Arrancar had a mask fragment on display which looked akin to a headband. Besides that her faint reiatsu signature felt much like a Hollow. The Shinigami raised an eyebrow. Her energy was faint. Celes was surprised that she was even classified as an Espada. Regardless, Celes had a duty. She needed to assess Ailene. With little further hesitation Celes dropped down to the ground as she created numerous air grounds before landing as to not disturb the campus grounds around them. 

She would stand right before Ailene as she eyed her over. Once again, if not for her reiatsu signature or mask fragment, this Arrancar could be seen as just your average student. Alas she was not merely a student. She was an Espada. Celes called out to her with confidence and determination. "Halt Arrancar. You trespass upon the Human World. I know not what you destruction you seek, but I will put an end to it." Celes sighed for a moment as she decided to honor her opponent. "I am Celes Shindazu. Captain of the Tenth Division. Turn yourself in to my custody and you shall not be harmed. Before that, however. Who might you be?" Celes was genuine though it was an alternative that demanded the capitulation of her opponent before it even started.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats & Skills}Strength- 400 x 2.5 = 1000
Speed - 250 x 2.5 = 625
Spiritual Pressure - 400 x 0.5 = 200
Reiatsu Strength - 50 x 0.5 = 25
Light Aura- 90
Dark Aura - 10
Instinct - 200
Senses - 100
Energy Sensory - 0
Healing Expertise - 0

Total SP: [1400]

Pain Tolerance: 3
Martial Arts: Baguazang: 2
Martial Arts: Hakuda: 3
Battle Analysis: 2
Strength of Will: 2
Weapons: Broadsword & Shield: 3
Weapons: Katana: 3

[Ailene Haschiro]

Here it was. Ailene's chance to properly attend a University. To join her peers in the quest for knowledge. Though it seemed before she even had a chance to experience that which she had sought for a while, it would be ruined by someone. Before the Espada appeared a woman. A number of things jumped out to the Arrancar almost immediately. Her analytical nature clawing into the Shinigami and prying any information from her that she could. First and most noticeable was the haori. Ailene had seen it multiple times on various occasions. It was immediately clear to her who this Shinigami was. A Captain. She clicked her tongue in amusement and annoyance. 

Next was her likely capability. The way she carried herself. Her Zanpakutou being a set of dual blades. Her general build. It felt deceptive. She did not appear weak, but she was not bulky like others. Yet she did not give off an intense spiritual energy. Despite all of this, it was her words that would show Ailene the type of person Celes was. "Halt Arrancar. You trespass upon the Human World. I know not what you destruction you seek, but I will put an end to it." Ailene smirked as she rolled her eyes. She would allow Celes to finish though it seemed she had more to say. Almost as if on queue, she introduced herself. "I am Celes Shindazu. Captain of the Tenth Division. Turn yourself in to my custody and you shall not be harmed. Before that, however. Who might you be?"

Ailene quivered for a moment. It was not one of fear though. Instead she tried to hold back intense laughter. Getting a hold of herself, Ailene peered at Celes. Her voice would be calm and fairly articulate. "You Shinigami. Truly all the same. You see an Arrancar and cannot feel anything, but the obligation to bring me in." She paused as she chuckled for a moment. "I won't lie. The tenacity is certainly commendable, but the stubbornness is frustrating to deal with." Ailene had precise control over her emotions. The ability to remain calm in the heat of battle. It was a trait that she found few shared. Even when utilizing her Resurrecciòn there was a certain calmness to her actions.

It was this calmness. This rational behavior that allowed Ailene to attempt to make peace with Celes. After all there was very little else she could do. She did not want to fight on University grounds if she could avoid it. After all, these students were now her cohort. She felt a strange sense obligation to protect them. She sighed for a moment as she kept peering at Celes. At least she was more reasonable than others. Other Shinigami will have likely just made an attempt at her life. This one, however. She seemed calm. Seasoned. Perhaps this is what Ailene could appeal to. After all her own spirit would likely feel weak to Celes. Unnervingly weak for what was supposed to be an Espada. 

The Arrancar would continue to speak. "Your entire reason for being here is based solely on the false assumption that I am trespassing. I can promise you that I am not. As hard as it may be to believe, I am a newly enrolled student at this University. I have come to learn. A scholar like me needs to expand her wealth of knowledge. You are standing in the way of that." In some ways, Ailene was coming off as adversarial. In truth her claim of being a student would likely fall on deaf ears. After all, the concept was absurd to the general public. To accept that there was in fact an Espada with a penchant for intelligence and non-violence.

The Espada would not draw her Zanpakutou. Even now she wished to avoid a fight with this Captain. A fight between a Captain and an Espada would likely lay waste to the land. Though Ailene was flattered. Which she would reveal soon. "Though I certainly must admit. It is charming to see that the Soul Society views me as that much of a threat. To send a Captain after me. That would fit nicely on a resume. As for your name. You clearly are a lady of honor. Like the knights who roamed during my time. Well. I am pleased to meet you Celes, Captain of the Tenth Division. I am Lady Ailene Haschiro. A member of the esteemed Espada. The Septima to be exact." Ailene would find out soon just how much of a mistake it was to reveal her identity. 

So far this proved to be an interest encounter, however. If she was lucky then this could end in the two of them going their seperate ways. While this was hopeful, Ailene felt that this is now how it will end. She knew the Shinigami well. Self righteous and arrogant to a fault. Always eager to enforce their way of life upon others. Now this woman. A Captain who carried herself like an ancient warrior of old. If Ailene had learned anything then she knew that these types could be dangerous. Not even in combat. But on a path to avoid combat. They typically sought it out with greedy longing. Would Celes prove to this type? Ailene wondered.

Alternatively could she try to stir up some old feelings? She could say she was a friend of Camila? Then again, Camila was a traitor. A defector who was likely just as likely to be on the hit list of the Soul Society. Nor did she know Celes' relationship with Camila if there was one at all. For all she knew the Captain hated Camila. Only time would tell if that tidbit of information would reveal itself. For now Ailene simply kept a stoic yet relaxed appearance. She did not want to seem aggressive in her motions. After all it did not matter how strong Celes was. Ailene was likely weaker while her power was sealed like this. If it came to it, perhaps she would need to utilize her Resurrecciòn quickly. Though would it be back? The voice that plagued her?

[Celes Castellanos]

Celes was willing to give the Espada a chance to surrender without injury and accompany her to the Soul Society. The Shinigami may have been bound by duty, but she was not cruel. She would listen calmly to Ailene, allowing her the opportunity to explain her presence though it would likely not change her disposition. "You Shinigami. Truly all the same. You see an Arrancar and cannot feel anything, but the obligation to bring me in. I won't lie. The tenacity is certainly commendable, but the stubbornness is frustrating to deal with." The Captain frowned for a moment. With the way that Ailene was framing the situation, the Shinigami was made out to be the bad guy. 

Celes sighed as she peered at the Arrancar. Was she being serious? She was an Espada. An agent of Sonken Kouhai. Her affiliation naturally made her an enemy of the Soul Society. As Captain it was her duty to respond to these threats. Regardless of her own personal feelings, she continued to let Ailene express herself. "Your entire reason for being here is based solely on the false assumption that I am trespassing. I can promise you that I am not. As hard as it may be to believe, I am a newly enrolled student at this University. I have come to learn. A scholar like me needs to expand her wealth of knowledge. You are standing in the way of that."

Celes could not help herself. She broke into laughter at the notion of what this Espada was claiming. It was absurd. Celes sighed as she looked down for a moment. This Arrancar would certainly force her hand all too soon. Though she did not have the appearance of a physically dominating force. In fact she seemed to be rather weak in general. This was one Espada of legend? Not only did she seem to lack overall strength, but the Arrancar had a disposition that was not fitting for an Espada. Strangely articulate and polite. It was bizzare to her. Regardless, Ailene would express words that would help feed into Celes' pride and notable persian flaw. 

"Though I certainly must admit. It is charming to see that the Soul Society views me as that much of a threat. To send a Captain after me. That would fit nicely on a resume. As for your name. You clearly are a lady of honor. Like the knights who roamed during my time. Well. I am pleased to meet you Celes, Captain of the Tenth Division." Celes smiled and stood there, charmed by Ailene's compliment. Though Celes decided to speak up. "You truly are one of kind words. I've come with the intent of hostility yet you refrain from behaving yourself in a rude manner. Commendable. I suppose you could say that you would be viewed as a threat. You are an Espada after all." 

Unfortunately it was Ailene's next words that would cause the joy on Celes' face to fade. It would contort into a frown which would then become a scowl of realization. "I am Lady Ailene Haschiro. A member of the esteemed Espada. The Septima to be exact." For a moment Celes began to relax her stance, sinking into it. She muttered to herself. "Ailene...Ailene. Why does that name sound so familiar. Wasn't that.." The Shinigami's mind began to rummage through memory after memory rapidly. It came to that fateful day. The day that Camila had come through the Garganta. The conversation that they had about an Espada. The name of that Espada...

Her expression darkened for a moment. This was the one! The one who let Camila come through the Garganta. The one that was responsible for her being chastised and hated by her peers. "It was you..." Her movement would be quick. Moving at a speed of nearly 500, she descended upon Ailene with a viscous nature. One of her swords unsheated and ready to tear into her flesh. At her current speed, Ailene would have little chance to react. In fact her movements would almost seem to blur. No matter whether the success of her strike, Celes would attempt to crash into Ailene with one of her hands. A palm strike to the stomach with incredible strength to back it. 

Not only was this woman an Esapda. She was also the root cause of Camila's desertion of the Soul Society. At least it was so in Celes' mind. The Arrancar was a pest and Celes certainly became somewhat blinded by grief. The grief of losing Camila because of this woman's actions. Her intent was clear. She would try to bring this Espada back to the Soul Society, but she needed to pay first. She needed to suffer for what she had done. The anger. The hatred in her strikes was clear. In truth it would be almost terrifying. Besides, why shouldn't this fate befall Ailene. She was an Arrancar. The natural evolution of a Hollow. She was cursed with a life of pain and misery.

Celes was traditionally sympathetic to Hollows. Even Arrancar to an extent. Something about this one was different. It cost her a friend. A friendship with someone she cared for deeply. If Celes hit Ailene she would likely find that the Arrancar was just as weak as she had thought. Perhaps this would be a simple job. Could this be all that the Espada was capable of? She was for all intents and purposes weaker than Kimiko. Did Ailene display some form of hidden strength? An ingenuity? A battle sense of offset her inherent weakness? Regardless of what it was for the Espada's sake she should display it soon or she will no doubt fall to her. 

[Ailene Haschiro]

Ailene remained still as she peered at Celes. It was as she revealed her name that there was a unique change in Celes' disposition. She had become quiet. Almost contemplative. Her stance was also becoming lower. The Espada had certainly seen this before. Her knees slowly bending and her muscles relaxing. Typical of a martial artist. While Ailene certainly had no personal experience in the practice of martial arts, she had enough experience in the field to get an idea of a battle ready stance. Her eyes focused even more upon Celes as she tried to get whatever information she could out of the way she presented herself. She seemed polite. Courteous. Proud even. A typical warrior.

Before her mind had a chance to drift, she overheard the Shinigami mutter something. "It was you..." The Espada blinked as she took note of the Captain's expression. Her facial features displayed numerous feelings. Grief. Hatred. Disgust. Emotions that Ailene was used to seeing in those who met her. Unfortunately for Ailene she wouldn't have much of a chance to pose further questions nor study Celes further as her form disappeared. Ailene was immediately on high alert as she had no way to track Celes. No sound of a Shunpo. Nor could see the movements of who she could likely assume would become an adversary. Her movements would be severely hindered given her form.

Ailene waited for any indication. Suddenly Celes would be upon her in mere moments, unsheathing her sword as it looked to crash down on her body. That's when Ailene prepared to move. Her form would also disappear as the Espada used a familiar maneuver. A Sonido. Her movement would be incredibly small, shifting about two feet to the side at a speed of 1560 to avoid the blade that was threatening to slice her to ribbons. Unfortunately for Ailene this was only the beginning as she would soon feel the Captain's hand strike her stomach. Despite her Hierro, despite her past experiences, this strike hurt like hell. For a moment, Ailene could feel herself rise into the air even if just a few inches.

As she rose and was jettisoned backward, she felt dizzy. Nauseated even. Her emotional fortitude and extreme tolerance to pain allowed her to not scream out as it also allowed her mind to stay focused. Her hand balled into a fist as she had, but a moment. As she raced backward, the Espada punched at Celes as she focused her reiatsu into her first. She only had a moment to fire one at her adversary. A purple orb of reiatsu suddenly emerged from her hand and was flying at Celes at an incredible velocity. It howled through the air, threatening to collide with Celes. Meanwhile, in the blink of an eye, Ailene felt herself crash against a wall. She gasped and coughed for a moment as she hit the wall. 

Her momentum was great as it continued to carry her through the wall, landing a few feet from the hole that had emerged from the wall. She whimpered for a moment as she felt an incredible pain in her stomach. Her hand came to meet her mouth as she pulled it away. That's when she saw it coat her hand. Blood. Ailene was adept in the practice of medicine and could easily determine internal trauma as a self diagnosis. She rose to her feet, gritting her teeth as she looked at the wall. The hole was reminiscent of a blunt object rocketing through it. It didn't take much for Ailene to guess that she was in fact this blunt object. Her blurry vision slowly returned as she growled.

Stumbling towards the wall, Ailene looked out as she saw the University. More notably, the campus from the main building. She gritted her teeth at the realization. It was then that she looked behind her. Shelves upon shelves of books with numerous students looking at the hole while a few were peering at her. Her eyes descended upon Celes as she felt numerous emotions. Shame. Embarrassment. Most of all spite. She had done nothing to this Shinigami yet despite that, she displayed hostile action. Ailene turned back to her peers and spoke with command at those that could understand her. "Listen. Get out of here. I will hold her off." 

The Espada placed her hand upon her Zanpakutou as she unsheathed it from her hip. She began to close the distance of about two hundred feet at a rather leisurely pace. She spoke slowly. "Spread and Contaminate, Ausbruch." With a slow movement, she shifted her blade to her side. In mere moments the Zanpakutou she wielded began to slowly fade away. A purple orb suddenly filled her vision as it surrounded her. What Celes would see would be rather imposing. As a leg emerged from the orb of reiatsu, it appeared scaly and draconian. Then an arm. Slowly her entire body emerged from this orb of reiatsu. Ailene at this point appeared almost regal. Wings draped over her back with a set of claws holding onto her shoulder. She opened her eyes as a purple light filled them. She would simply smirk. She felt her reiatsu become strong again. Her agility returned to her as well.

"Oh dear. She was hoping not to have to take on this form. Unfortunately you have forced out hand." She paused as she grinned. "Mmm..you look delicious. I'm sure you're flesh will be delightful." With that, Ailene opened her maw. From her maw emerged a jet of reiatsu in the form of a bala. It blazed towards her once more. Ailene then utilized a Sonido thirty feet to the side as she unleased another bala. As there were two bala's now rocketing towards Celes, Ailene used the distraction that this would provide to use one final Sonido. This one would move her at a speed of 3900 behind the Shinigami. Using her talon, Ailene would rake at the Shinigami's body, rending through flesh if she connected. She would then proceed to use a Luna Paso Cero to rocket backward, landing on her knee. If she was successful in her strike, the Arrancar would lick the blood dripping from her talons. 

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu}
Sonido [3x] - 300
Bala - 100
Resurrección - 400
Luna Paso Cero - 25
Toxic Shock - 100

Total Reiatsu: 2350/3000
Total Reiatsu After Release: 1975/3000

SPOILER: Click to show

{Soul Specialist}
RS: 400 - 1000
Speed: 120 - 300

SPOILER: Click to show

{Ailene Yersinia - 93}
Sonido [3x] - 30
Bala [2x] - 10
Speed - 20
Toxic Shock - 10
Luna Paso Cero - 3
Primera Overall - 20

[Celes Castellanos]

Crashing her palm into Ailene's chest felt good. As Ailene practically lifted off of the ground, spiraling backwards due to Celes' incredible strength, the Captain grinned for a moment. There was something about Ailene that felt off. She looked at her hand. Drops of blood rested against her hand. Celes raised an eyebrow as she furrowed her brows. This was not her own. It was Ailene's. During her time among the Gotei, Celes had learnt much about Arrancar. Even prior to that, Celes was taught to recognize that Arrancar had a skill that went by the name of Hierro. It acted like an iron skin, allowing them to withstand incredible blows. This one, however. Celes had blown clean through her adversaries Hierro.

She tilted her head. It was an Arrancar, but... "Could this truly be Ailene? Could this truly be the Espada that Camila talked about? The one that gave her the Garganta? The one that provided her so much pain and suffering?" Her emotions began to flare. "Does it matter? Shes an Arrancar. Even if she is not an Espada then I still have a duty to Soul Society to at least take her in..." Celes facial features sharpened for a moment as she took a look over to the University. Ailene's body had torn a hole straight through the wall. She sighed. It was a clear sign that she had struck a little hard. Even if this was the one that set Camila up for failure, she couldn't let her emotions get the better of her. 

Her eyes narrowed as she stared at Ailene who stood up, albeit shakily, after the strike. The Captain tilted her head as she caught a small part of what Ailene had said. "...I will hold her off." Celes shifted her head once more. Ailene would "hold" her off? Just who did she think she was. She almost spoke as though she were defending the University. She had to be the aggressor? Right...? She was an Arrancar. Could she truly mean no harm? The Captain grew conflicted. Perhaps this was a mere misunderstanding... Perhaps they could talk this out after all? Celes looked at the situation in a new light. After all, she had met an Arrancar in the past who actually trained her if only for a few minutes. He did seek to kill or maim her. 

Celes began to approach at a leisurely pace, but then she felt something off. Ailene spoke something akin to a release phrase which caused a burst of reiatsu to leap forth from the Espada. "Spread and Contaminate, Ausbruch." Celes tilted her head. A dark orb began to overtake the Arrancar's form. It would envelop her entirely and within a few moments there would be no trace of the Espada left. Celes took a defensive stance almost immediately. She had a hard time sensing energy, but even she could feel that burst of reiatsu. Soon she'd catch a glimpse of the monster within. Dark scales became visible on her form as Ailene began to step out.

First it was her leg. Then her arm. Soon her entire body would emerge from the sphere. Celes blinked as her eyes quickly studied her. She seemed almost regal. Horns and scales that gave her a draconian yet strangely elegant appearance. Celes would breathe in calmly as the Espada's orbits lit up with a purple glow. Another notable change became clear to a weapon user like Celes. The Arrancars' Zanpakutou. Formerly clear as day, it had suddenly disappeared after she stepped forth from the purple orb of darkness. Soon the Arrancar would speak up in a rather smooth tone. "Oh dear. She was hoping not to have to take on this form. Unfortunately, you have forced our hand." This caused Celes to tilt her head.

She did not understand. Ailene was speaking as though she were someone else entirely. "What the hell is she on about...? Should I still continue to try and reason with her? Maybe apol-" Celes would be torn from her thoughts as she heard the Arrancar speak. "Mmm..you look delicious. I'm sure your flesh will be delightful." Celes' eyes widened in disgust as she stared at Ailene as the Espada opened her maw as in preparation to speak more. Though this time there were no words. A faint glow could be seen from the Espada's mouth. Suddenly a blazing fast orb of solid reiatsu raced towards Celes. Ailene heard the familiar sound of a Sonido. The initial Bala, however, crashed into her thigh. A grunt of pain arose from the Shinigami's mouth as she did her best to compose herself. Another bala raced towards her, aimed at her head. This time a preemptive movement helped mitigate it, however.

Celes, using her mastery of Shunpo, utilized an incredible heightened speed of 6000 to preemptively move shift her body into a kneeling position so that the bala raced past her. As it did, however, the adrenaline kicked in. Ailene disappeared once more though Celes heightened senses and instinct gave her a window of opportunity to prepare for the coming assault. She turned to see Ailene throw out her claw at her. Celes smirked as she tensed her body. The hit from prior gave Celes a clear indicator that Ailene was physically inept. Her constitution was certainly weaker as was her Hierro. Her body would become as hard as iron in that moment. She was sure that Ailene's physical strike would just bounce off, but she was in for a surprise.

Celes' world went cold. At first, she did not feel anything. Then she felt a warm liquid run down the small of her back. Soon the pain started. She gasped, howling in pain for a moment as she bit her tongue. The claw had easily rent her flesh from bone as large gash now lay visibly on Celes' back. Tears slowly rolled down her eyes as she whimpered softly, still biting down on her tongue. She had to try and compose herself. Meanwhile Ailene had simply used a Luna Paso Cero to swiftly move from Celes' immediate range as she recoiled in pain. She gasped once more as her breathing slowed. She could not explain it, but Ailene's claws were vicious. Not only that, but something felt off... A feeling of worse to come.

Regardless, Celes could not let herself be demoralized. She looked at Ailene as the Arrancar licked the blood off of her claws. Celes simply growled. The Captain surveyed the surrounding area of Ailene. There weren't too many pedestrians right behind her and there was an alleyway. She grinned as she punched once in midair. To Ailene this would seem inconsequential, but to Celes and anyone with heightened senses, they would see something else. The air began to shift. A large wall of air much like a shockwave rocketed towards Ailene, lifted just slightly off of the ground so it caused no structural damage on the way. This would be very deceptive and could potentially buy Celes a little more time. 

As Ailene was hopefully assaulted by the shockwave, Celes began to speak some key phrases as she drew her Zanpakutou. One blade lay in a reverse grip, pressed against her arm while the other she held just like normal. "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." Celes' blades then suddenly glowed a seathing red color. Celes would not recoil, the blades seemingly appearing to glow a fire-hot red. As they expanded, across her left arm lay a large shield while her other hand grabbed hold of a lengthy spear. Standing, she roared and slammed her hand against her shield. She was ready to go as the warriors spirit called her to battle!

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu & Secondary Resources}
Total Reiatsu: 1750/2000
Total Marks of War: 10/10

-50 | Shunpo
-200 | Shikai

+10 | Disciple of War

SPOILER: Click to show

{Celes Yersinia - 40}
Shikai - 20
Primera Overall - 20

[Ailene Haschiro]

Ailene growled softly, snarling. She grinned as she gently dragged her slender reptilian tongue across her blood-tipped talons. Warm blood seeped down them, dripping down onto the floor. The Espada continued growling which soon became a purr of pleasure. "Mmm..this blood. The blood of the strong. I could get used to the taste..." Ailene kept staring at Celes, eager to see just what the Captain was planning. After all, she was a force to be reckoned with. Even that mattered little in the long run. In fact, Ailene preferred it. This would be an excellent opportunity to gauge her own strength...and besides...her blood was delicious!

The Arrancar could feel the disease beginning to take root. A spiritual bacteria that affected both body and soul alike. Ailene was always acutely aware of it. Even if she did not share a spiritual connection with it, Ailene had a great deal of understand of the body. Once certain symptoms kicked in, she could easily tell what the Shinigami was going through. Currently the disease was in its infancy. It would need time to grow, but once it did...it would utterly cripple Celes. Ailene was sure of this. Celes would sway ever so slightly, her hand gripping her head. Ailene grinned with an utterly sadistic glare. She ran her slender tongue along her draconian lips.

Suddenly Ailene noticed something. The Captain punched the air? Ailene blinked and stared at Celes with her purple orbits. Her mind began to rapidly pick apart whatever she could. "What the hell is she doing? This is a fight! What good is practice?! Is she mock-" Suddenly Ailene felt something. She was lifted once more and raced backwards at astounding speeds. All the while, her body was being buffeted by countless strong winds assaulted her form. Cuts formed all around her. Ailene growled. Her body was resilient after centuries of existing as a Hollow. Yet this was unlike anything she had experienced thus far. After a few moments, she fell against the ground, her Hierro-hardened skin grinding against it.

For a moment, Ailene would simply lay there for a moment. Her breathing hastened for a moment and then it slowed shortly after. She'd rise to her feet shortly after. A few moments after, Ailene heard her opponent 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." The Espada watched as Celes' blades glowed radiantly. Soon they'd change shape. A giant shield began to shroud Celes' arm while she gripped a long spear. Upon a glance Ailene could easily tell that the Captain had a effective range that easily outclassed hers. Thankfully Ailene did not need to fight in close quarters to be effective, but it would certainly be devastating if she laded a decisive hit.

Understanding this, Ailene recognized that she needed to take this carefully. She began to slowly emerge from the alleyway. As she did, a putrid purple haze surrounded her, flowing outward from the alleyway like a fog. From within the haze, Ailene's purple orbits filled the dark mist. From within she'd growl softly. "That's quite the peculiar strike you got there..." She smirked. "Almost like a cannon that fires air from it. Unfortunately for you...I'll have devoured you before long!" With that, Ailene utilized a Sonido. She'd vanish at an astounding speed of 3900, rushing towards the Shinigami. With it, she'd appear a few dozen feet above the Captain.

Forming a platform of reiatsu under her feet, her mastery with air-ground allowed her to stand at a 90° angle. This would allow her to likely take Celes by surprise. Taking a few moments, the Arrancar charged an orb of reiatsu before her. It started small and grew quickly. After a few moments, Ailene allowed the orb of purple reiatsu to disperse as a sudden hum arose from above. A Cero quickly roared into life, surging downward at an impressive speed. It was not the speed of the Cero that would be so overwhelming. No. Instead, it would be the size. Rushing forward, the Cero would be an incredible size. If Celes got hit by it, the heat of the Cero would sear her flesh, threatening to melt it off of her bone.

As the Cero filled the air, a bright purple light filled the area, threatening to swallow everything whole. Screams of terror could be heard from all around. From passersby on the street to the countless students of the University. They would be unfortunate casualties if this fight of theirs went unchecked. Ailene, of course. wanted to do nothing to harm any of the University students. At least...that was before she utilized her Resurrecciòn. At this point she had little desire of sparring their lives. This was the darker side of Ailene. The Hollow within who threatened to devour everything around them. The model example of a Hollow. 

It was the side that Ailene always tried to suppress. The side that she knew she could only use in dire situations. This was one of those dire situations, however. Celes had arrived to detain her after all. Their fight would potentially threaten the surrounding area, but...that did not matter at the moment. She only sought to destroy this Shinigami. To tear her flesh apart and devour her heart. It was how she would grow strong after all. Once the Cero faded, Ailene would be above a giant crater. She grinned for a moment. "Was she truly so easily destroyed? No...It couldn't have been that easy, could it? Better keep my eyes open and be careful..." For now, she'd take precautions. She began to focus her reiatsu. As she did, her reiatsu grew less dense. It became more refined. Everything became more powerful. Her future Cero. Her Hierro. It all grew more powerful and resilient. Not only that, but she did the unthinkable. She raked her hand straight across her chest! Her talons dripped with her own blood as she gasped, grunting from the sudden pain. She knew it would be worth it in the long run, though...

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu}
Total Reiatsu: 2000/2000
Total Reiatsu after Release: 1375/2000

-200 | Cero
-100 | Sonido
-300 | Reiatsu Conversion

SPOILER: Click to show

{Ailene Yersinia - 386}
Cero - 20
Sonido - 10
Primera Overall - 40
Reiatsu Conversion - 30
Toxic Shock - 2x

[Celes Castellanos]

As Celes let loose her shockwaves, it would give her an opportunity to catch a breath. She kept her eyes trained on Ailene to gauge her reaction though even she would be shocked at her response. Ailene was merely standing there! She almost looked confused by her strikes. As if she was contemplating what she had just done. Something clicked in her head. "Can she...not see the shockwaves? That...could prove useful." Celes simply took this into consideration as the Arrancar was lifted into the air aggressively. As she was catapulted backwards, Celes cleared her mind. It was time to kick this up a notch. She began to focus her reiatsu to utilize her Shikai. 

As her weapons began to change shape in a brilliant display of red, she would soon brandish a magnificent spear and a shield. Despite the gravity of the situation, Celes was actually enjoying the fight somewhat. She grinned, eager to see how this would play out. Despite this, however, Celes felt off. Her arms felt...weak. Her head hurt just a little. Her vision blurred ever so slightly. She groaned, pressing her hands against her head as she stumbled ever so slightly. As she did, she noticed the Arrancar though something about her was also off. The alleyway...it was filled with a mist? "This...is coming from Ailene isn't it? And this feeling? Am I sick?"

The Captain simply blinked. As Ailene emerged, she was certainly a spectacle to behold. Emerging from the mist, Celes cautiously listened to Ailene as the Espada spoke. "That's quite the peculiar strike you got there..." Celes kept looking at Ailene with an excited stare. It seemed that her suspicion was correct. Her opponent could not see the shockwaves. "Almost like a cannon that fires air from it. Unfortunately for you...I'll have devoured you before long!" Celes took a moment to take in the sudden change in her intent. "I see. So she has fully embraced the intent to kill. I have to watch out with this one. She's certainly a powerful threat. Especially with this disease..."

Celes' eyes widened as the Arrancar disappeared in a flash. Blinking, Celes knew what it was. A Sonido. The analog to her Shunpo. Just where did she go?! Celes quickly scanned the environment around her. No sign of her? Quickly Celes shifted. She turned around to look behind her. Still nothing. "If not to my sides...if not behind...then...Above!" Celes quickly looked up and saw the darkened form of the Arrancar above her at a nearly 90° angle. Celes blinked as her vision was suddenly filled with the purple glow of a Cero. As it raced downward, it's hum followed and Celes' world went silent. Moving without a second thought. She quickly accelerated to a speed of 6000. 

In that moment she would easily evade the Cero in its last moments. Despite that though, her mind was racing. "That was close! She certainly is no joke!" Despite reaching a safe distance from the truly imposing Cero, Celes realized that it would cause considerable damage. As the Cero hit the ground, it tore through the ground ferociously. Not only that, but the heat was truly imposing. It radiated outward. Celes knew one thing. Had she not moved out of the way...she would've sustained some serious injuries. She growled softly as she proceeded to try for her counterattack. After all...even if she was to lose here...she would give Ailene one hell of a fight.

She'd quickly accelerate to her top speed as she attempted to rush down the Arrancar. In a flash she'd be upon Ailene. To Ailene, Celes would've appeared as a blur. Using this to her advantage, Celes would begin by attempting to crash her spear into Ailene. As the spear clashed against Ailene, Celes would be in for one hell of a surpise. Her spear...it did not do much to pierce Ailene's Hierro. Her hardened scales remained resilient against the incredible physical force exerted by the spear. Celes gritted her teeth as she felt the resistance. Her scales....they were as hard as diamond. It was truly impressive. "So then...this is the strength the Arrancar's Hierro. Their iron skin..." 

Celes would not stop here, however. She allowed some of her reiatsu to flow through the point of contact. As she did, her reiatsu began to flow around Ailene. As it did, it would seemingly harden against her Hierro. In mere moments, Ailene would find herself on her knees. Her arms would be forced behind her back. This would all happen as infernal chains began to form around Ailene. This would not be the only interesting aspect of these chains. Ailene would find that if she tried to use any reiatsu, it would backfire. Her reiatsu, if surged, would simply die back down. Ailene would be in the perfect submission. Now Celes could truly take Ailene to the Soul Society. The Captain would reach down, grabbing hold of a chain which easily moved for the Captain. When she did this, however, she felt nausea once more. Not only that, but Celes coughed up a clear liquid, grunting. The sickness was beginning to take hold.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu & Resources}
Total Reiatsu: 1700/2000
Marks of War: 5/10

-50 | Shunpo

-5 | Bound by Chains

SPOILER: Click to show

{Celes Yersinia - 125}
Shunpo - 5
Primera Overall - 80

[Ailene Haschiro]

Letting the Cero loose, Ailene watched as the surrounding area became consumed in a fierce purple glow. She had no true capability to sense Celes. She could not tell where the Shinigami had gone. Whether she had died in the furious display or whether she simply moved out of the way. By the time she reacted, Ailene was sure that she must've been consumed by the Cero? Right? Then again...Celes had shown incredible speed and her reflexes were also equally impressive. It was good to keep an open mind. After all...to her this had become a battle to the death. A chance to consume someone truly strong. She could not simply take it easy on this foe!

As Celes accelerated towards Ailene at her top speed, the Espada lost track of the Shinigami. Her diminished senses could not keep up with the Shinigami's overwhelming agility. As her eyes skimmed around in search of Celes, the Arrancar would feel a sudden force against her chest. Her eyes widened for a moment. Her Hierro...it stood strong against the sudden force. The spear was not piercing her flesh. Ailene simply growled in response to this sudden attack against her. Though as she turned her head to meet Celes' eyes, she grinned. Was this truly all that the Captain was capable of? If this was the case then she would eat her heart! She would grow strong! She-

The Espada's movements stopped. Before she could retaliate. Before she could move, she felt herself move against her will. Her arms clung to her back, pressed hard against the wings that Ailene had not unveiled yet. Suddenly she felt her legs be pressed downward as well. She growled, struggling against the chains for a moment. Though the chains would do more than that as well. Ailene tried to melt the chains. She tried to surge her reiasu all around her. To unleash a Cero towards the Captain before her. Her reiatsu built and built to new heights. Before it could finish though, it was not allowed to finish. Instead her reiatsu would plateau.

She growled, gritting her teeth as her purple orbits gazed upon the Captain before her. If looks could kill, Celes would have been dead three times over as Ailene looked at her with utter hate. She struggled more as Celes grabbed hold of one of the chains. Seemingly preparing to take her back to the Soul Society, Ailene growled some more. Then an opportunity arose. Ailene noted that the Captain recoiled. Her snarl curled into a smirk. "The infection is taking root...best take advantage of this now!" As she applied resistance to the chains, Ailene gasped. They were pushing against her, crushing her. She endured, however, as she felt a crack. She could not stop now! She had to go further! Applying as much force as she could, she roared.

The chains cracked a final time and suddenly pushed off of her body. Just as the chains broke off of her body, Ailene surged her reiatsu violently. She'd open her maw. In an instant, Celes tendrils of purple and blue leapt forth from the Arrancars' maw. The Cero Lightning. Ailene was aiming for only one part of the Shinigami's body. Her arm. As the tendrils of lightning rushed forward at an incredible speed, three times speed of a Cero, they'd do so without any warning and would likely take Celes by surprise. Not only that, but the true horror would occur if the tendrils came into contact with her arm. 

If the tendrils of electricity curled around the Shinigami's arm, the skin itself would completely turn to ash in an instant. If Celes was struck by the Cero Lightning, she would not be numbed by the overwhelming hail of electricity. The pain would not hit her until a few moments after. The feeling of having your arm turned to ash in an instant after all would not be appealing. If the lightning struck Celes, Ailene would quickly end the stream of lightning. As she did, Ailene felt a wave of fatigue wash over her. She groaned for a moment as she did her best to stand. Assuming that Celes' arm was turned to ash, she growled happily. Celes would be in a precarious situation after all. Finally, she felt a reservoir of reiatsu become available to her. Her senses also became much sharper.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu}
Total Reiatsu: 5000/5000
Reiatsu after Release: 3975/5000

-400 | Cero Lightning

SPOILER: Click to show

{Soul Specialist}
SpPr: 200 - 500
Senses: 40 - 100

SPOILER: Click to show

{Ailene Yersinia - 426}
Primera Overall - 20
Cero Lightning - 40

[Celes Castellanos]

Forced to contend with the sickness that was being imposed upon her by Ailene made fighting a hell of a lot harder. She felt like she was going to cough up a lung at this point. Her muscles continued to feel weak. She was beginning to lose some grip on her spear. Nausea and minor headaches set in. It was as though she had suddenly contracted the Flu...or worse. It was these symptoms that distracted her from the Arrancar that she had in chains. In Celes' mind, she had won. There would be little opportunity for Ailene to fight back in this state after all. Hubris. Arrogance. Pride. Feelings that Celes felt in that moment kept her blind from the truth.

As the chains broken and snapped, bursting off of the Arrancars' body, she was caught off guard. Her eyes widened as the Arrancar opened her maw. She wanted to move. She tried to will it to move, but she couldn't. Sudden her vision was filled with a sudden display of purple and blue. It erupted from the Arrancars' mouth without warning and at a speed where Celes required a Shunpo to effectively dodge it. Unfortunately, Celes would have no such opportunity. The tendrils of lightning wrapped around her arm and in an instant, she felt something was off. She tried to move her shoulder. Her shoulder moved, but it felt...lighter.

It happened in an instant and the lightning that erupted from Ailene would halt just as quickly. She blinked. There was no blood. There would only be black ash that suddenly dispersed in the wind as the Captain's spear began to fall to the ground. There would be silence. And then pain. Celes began to scream at the top of her lungs, gripping her shoulder with her other hand. The pain finally began to hit her. She gritted her teeth after her scream to try and silence herself. It would work...for a time. She would whimper, kneeling on an air ground of her own creation. The World of the Living made it easy enough to create them.

She sighed for a moment. The world itself became void of color. It slowed to a crawl. A voice began to resonate in the back of her head. She blinked, focusing only on that voice. It would provide a good distraction. "I see you are in some trouble...typical. You underestimated her Celes. Just like you underestimated that Akki. What was his name? Orobas? Pitiful aren't you? You should've ended it when you had the chance! She does not play fair. She does not have your interests in mind. She only seeks your death Celes!" The foreign voice roared within her mind. Celes tried to close it out though no matter how much she tried, he found a way to pierce the veil.

"I can give you the power you need. You just have to give me control Celes. I will end her for you!" Celes shook her head. She chuckled. "Yeah, sure. You expect me to believe that. What will you do afterwards? Go on a rampage? Kill countless civilians? Test your mettle against others? No. I cannot allow that. I am a Captain of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. I cannot allow something like you rampage around. Even if it means that I cannot win..." She felt clear dissent from the disembodied voice. "Well...at least try to survive! I'm not dying here today. If I have the sense that you will meet a guesome end...I won't give you a choice!"

With that, the world slowly regained color. The world began to move again. Celes looked up at the grinning face of her adversary. Meanwhile her mind raced. "I'm at a disadvantage here...I'm sure she could charr my entire body to ash if she wanted to and he does have a point...I hate to do it, but...maybe I do have to retreat..." Such a prospect is something that she hated. She was a warrior. To retreat would be out of the question! At least...that's how it was under normal circumstances. Celes was, after all, still tactical. She knew when she was in over her head and she knew that sometime retreat was the only option. Suddenly, she noticed Ailene's movements. The Espada's claw was coming right for throat!

Celes would act immediately. Before the claw of the Espada could even reach her, she'd focus all of her intent on retreating. She'd vanish in a flash using a Shunpo. Darting down to the ground, the Captain grabbed hold of her spear which had fallen to the ground. Focusing all of her intent again, she'd utilize another Shunpo. Accelerating at an incredible speed of 6000, Celes would try to escape from the scene. With her speed, she'd be able to do so without much concern. Ailene would have little hope of chasing her. After a few moments, the Shinigami would find herself between a set of buildings in an alleyway. Weakly, she'd lean against one of the walls and groaned. 

Her arm. It was completely gone. Turned to ash. Thankfully she still had the other with which she grabbed her spear. Pushing it into the air before her, Celes focused her reiatsu. Opening up a Senkaimon, she'd groan and force herself to her feet. With a slight hobble and a bit of a cough, the Captain walked through the Senkaimon, leaving a trail of blood in her wake. As the light of Soul Society hit her, she blinked. Meanwhile, the gate guards who looked after the Senkaimon gasped in shock. Flashing them a quick smile, Celes groaned and fell to the ground, unconscious. As she did, her Zanpakutou glowed once more. In mere moments they'd turn into her twin blades once more. She would certainly be in for one hell of a time at the Fourth Division Barracks.

[Ailene Haschiro]

As Celes screamed in pain, Ailene grinned. She spoke in a rather pleased tone. "Mmm..music to my ears. You performed that Aria perfectly, I've so longed to hear you sing it, Celes!" She relished the pain and suffering of the Shinigami Captain. After all, it was her who had attacked her without provocation. It was her whose very presence threatened the University that Ailene was longing to attend. It was her who would serve as the Arrancars' next step in evolution. In growing more powerful. With that in mind, Ailene would waste little time. Brandishing her sharp talons, she quickly tried to slice them across Celes' throat. If she was going to kill her...then she'd do so properly!

Unfortunately for Ailene, Celes had a plan in mind. The Captain quickly vanished from Ailene's sight. The Arrancars' eyes flicked across the entire battlefield. Unfortunately for her, Celes was moving at speeds that the Espada could not appropriately track. As she retrieved her spear and made a run for it, Ailene would not even know what happened until it was too late. For now, the battlefield would be quiet. There would be nothing besides the occasional cry of fear from nearby passersby's who simply happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Ailene's growl of anger would suddenly reach a close as she tried her best to calm herself down.

After a few moments, once she realized that there was no longer a threat, Ailene simply sighed. "So...she chose to turn tail and flee...I hate to admit that it was likely the smartest choice on her part." She grumbled to herself. With yet another sigh, she allowed her reiatsu to die down. An orb of purple reiatsu overtook her entire form once more as she stood upon an air ground of her own creation. From within this sphere of plague-like winds, Ailene's form to revert once more. Her scales would become skin. The fur would depart. Her wings would simply vanish. Finally, as the orb of reaitsu dispersed, Ailene would be seen once more. Her blade in hand, she quickly sheathed it and sighed.

With a bit of a hop to her step, she looked upon the University. It was in some state of ruin. Surrounding walls had crumbled due to the fight. Windows were shattered. The ground had been ravaged as well, a crater left by the Espada's massive Cero that she had fired upon the Captain. With a heavy sigh, Ailene let herself to the ground at the bottom of the crater. She gripped her head and yelled in anger. "Damn Shinigami! They couldn't let me have this one day! They had to see me as a threat without even assessing the situation!" She fell to her knees, pounding the ground in anger, her Hierro clanging against the ground violently.

With a heavy sigh, she rose to her feet and shook her head. She began to mumble to herself, not above the sound of a whisper. "Calm down, Ailene. It is unbecoming of a lady show anger like that..." Looking up at the ruined University, she shook her head. It would take some time to repair the damages and she was not sure how the studies of countless students would be affected. With a heavy heart, the Arrancar focused the reiatsu before her. Suddenly, the space before her turned back as it caved in. Suddenly it ripped open, revealing a Garganta. Giving the surrounding area another glance, she simply walked though, leaving the site of any bystanders who dare look into the crater.

After a few minutes, walking through the Garganta at a leisurely pace, Ailene would find herself met with the familiarity of her large quarters. She sighed, trying her best to smile. Moving to one of the tables, the Arrancar poured herself a cup of water, still hot from this morning. She would then let a tea bag rest as she looked down at her body. Her clothing had been torn and she had several cuts all over. Without much of a thought she dropped her Hierro. A few moments later, the wounds began to mend. Cuts closed. Bruises slowly vanished as if nothing had happened. Rotating her shoulder, she felt good as new. With a bit of a smile on her face, she waited for her cup of tea, looking to at least try and enjoy the rest of the day as best as she could.

[Deleted]

85 paragraphs counted, so that'll be 850 TP rewarded to both participants, with 950 being rewarded to Ailene for winning!