Post by Celes Castellanos on Jan 23, 2022 19:34:10 GMT -5
The clashing of metal. The whirs of steel. They echoed through the room as two Shinigami fought, locked in a spar. Every few months or so, Celes got new trainees in her Division. Fresh out of the Academy, it fell upon her to oversee their integration into the Division. It was the same process normally, but Celes normally did not mind it. She happily trained others, aiming to help them flourish into exceptional Shinigami. The the sounds of fighting continued to ring throughout the room. Both participants were eager to prove themselves to the Captain of the Tenth Division. Though lately, Celes mind had been stuck in another place. Another time.
It couldn't have been more than a week ago. Celes ventured to the Human World to meet with an old acquaintance. The Quincy known as Aldwin. Celes had initially met him some time ago during her time as the Third Seat of the Eleventh Division. She had saved him from a lethal Hollow attack and given him a bit of her reiatsu to complete a little project of his. A blade that could purify Hollows much like a Shinigami, giving willing participants of any type, the ability to effectively aid Soul Society if they so desired. To Celes it was a noble cause, and the Shinigami was more than happy to assist the Quincy in his efforts. Ever since then she had rarely heard of the Quincy except for some reports, but as luck may have had it, she was contacted by him.
Her mood darkened for a moment as two voices filled her eyes. "I got you now!" Suddenly another voice piped up among her recruits. "Don't count me out yet! You havn't seen the extent of what I can do!" It raged onward as Celes continued to reminisce. Catching up with Aldwin, the two of them had met in a tea shop and discussed a new project of his. The events of late made it hard for Celes to remember, but regardless she carried on. He needed assistance with testing out the gadget of his. Being more than happy to oblige, Celes eagerly followed through with it. Then the memory went dark again. She could not explain why, but parts of that day were missing. She could, for sure, only recall one thing. She did not know why, but she could not hear Yunorashi. More than that...she could not use her Shikai and Bankai.
She had been trying for the past few days, but both were completely inaccessible to her. She had not told anyone. She couldn't tell anyone. After all, how would the others react. She was a Captain without her release. She sighed for a moment as she looked at her twin Zanpakutou. Two beautiful blades that could not assume their true potential. The recent development had done the unthinkable. It truly damaged her morale. Her pride. She looked at the ferocity of the two Shinigami sparring before her. She sighed, new thoughts rummaging through her head. She could not give up...could she? She was a Captain. She had a responsibility to this new generation of Shinigami. But first there was something she need to take care of. There was a malady upon her soul, and she needed to find out what.
As she rose, her officers looked at her with a momentary glance of confusion. One of them pipped up for a moment. "Captain Celes...is something wrong?" Celes peered at them for a moment before shaking her head. Her voice rang loud and clear. "Not at all. I need to take of something, I won't try to be long." The two Shinigami nodded as the rest of the recruits smiled at her. Smiling back, she left the barracks. As she walked outside, the sun was shining brightly and the rest of her Squad was training diligently. This always warmed her heart. Utilizing a quick Shunpo, she delved into the forests of the Soul Society, ready to reclaim that which she had rightfully earned...
Thanks to Celes natural speed, fortified by her use of a Shunpo, Celes would find herself at her destination in no time. More than that, she knew the quickest route even at high speed. When her Shunpo finished carrying her, the Shinigami found herself in a natural clearing, a few kilometers deep into the forest. She sighed for a moment, looking at chipped rock, broken twigs and other debris that filled the clearing. In truth it saddened her a little. This was the closest equivalent to a private sanctuary that she possessed. She began to slowly make her way over to the rock, covered in moss and leaves. Effortlessly, she leapt onto it as she simultaneously drew one of her Zanpakutou.
Sitting down upon the familiar rock face, Celes sat her blade upon her lap and concentrated. She muttered to herself. "Come on Celes...you've done this multiple times. You can do it now..." She closed her eyes and concentrated for a moment. She knew the drill. She had to clear her mind of all things. Focus only on her Inner World. As she relaxed and cleared her mind, she heard much of the surrounding ambience. Birds chirping, the wind blowing, even sometimes the nearby leaf falling. She breathed calmly and opened her eyes to be met with...the same sight of the clearing. She sighed, shaking her head. "Again.." The same mental preparation led her into a trance as she waited for a few seconds. Now dozens. Finally, a minute. Then several minutes. She opened her eyes again and nothing.
She growled for a moment, becoming agitated. She could not understand why she was having trouble. "It's worked so many times before. I always just imagine myself in the forest with Yunor-" Celes thought for a moment and then it clicked. She really did not like the conclusion that she came to, but it needed to be done anyway. This time as Celes focused, she did not imagine Yunorashi. Instead, the Shinigami focused upon that demon within. The Inner Hollow that resided within her. His pale complexion, the black hair and finally those piercing blue eyes. She shivered at the thoight as she tried to focus. Soon the world around began to shift and fade into a haze. She then opened her eyes.
As she looked upon her Inner World, she was admittedly shocked at first. She was not met with the soothing green of forest and shrubs. Instead, there was a charred and battered wasteland as far as the eye could see. She kept looking around, frantically looking for any sign of Yunorashi. That's when she heard a chuckle from behind her. She slowly turned around and blinked as she saw a boulder similiar to the one that she was sitting on in Soul Society. Upon it sat the Inner Hollow. She was speechless. It worked! Though she did not like the sight. The Hollow simply smirked as he gazed upon her with those chilling orbits. She felt frozen to the bone...
Almost as if on cue, he spoke in that calm yet sinister tone. "Well done, Celes. You finally made it back. I see you figured out that you had to focus on me this time..." He chuckled and looked from side to side. "You like what I've done to the place? A sight to behold. Carnage as far as the eye can see. Legends say that a legendary battle occurred out here. Interesting to think what legendary bloodshed took place here, don't ya think?" He grinned for a moment before it became a smirk once more. Celes simply growled and spoke in the calmest tone that she could. "Where is Yunorashi? Why can't I enter here by thinking of her like I normally would?"
He simply shook his head and tilted it for a moment afterwards. "She's right here of course." With one step back, he gently kicked something. It sounded heavy for a moment as the seemingly light kick catapulted the unconscious body of Yunorashi atop the rock. Celes looked onward in shock. She was bruised all over. Bleeding from some more than others. She had cuts all over as Celes was move to move forward. Before she could even take a step, the Inner Hollow spoke. "Not so hasty Celes. No worries. She's still alive. For now. It will be to you to decide how long that remains." Celes bit her lip and simply froze in place. She was not prepared to test his theory.
He merely grinned for a moment as Celes sighed, speaking in a slightly angrier tone as she tried to hold herself back. "What the hell did you do to her...?" The Hollow chuckled and shrugged. "Nothing much. All I did was show her a taste of what's to come. As I told you once Celes. You are weak. Well today I decided to do you a favor. We will change that together. None of that sentimental stuff though. You are in for a beatdown of your lifetime, and we will see if you have what it takes to truly control your dormant ability." Celes growled as she tried to take everything in. She did not understand what he meant. Dormant ability? Just what was he talking about?
She spat out. "Listen here Hollow. If y-" He smirked, interrupting her. "Listen here Shinigami." He spoke in a way that purposefully mocked her. "See how stupid it sounds. You can call me Yukito." Celes blinked for a moment. He had a name? As much as she felt that he was lying, she didn't have any reason to not oblige him. She was the honorable warrior type after all and Yunorashi's very survival may be on the line. She blinked for a moment. She gulped and spoke softly. "As you wish, Yukito. I will play your little game if you guarantee Yunorashi's safety..." He grinned and sighed. "It all depends on you Celes. If you can meet my expectations. If you do, I assure you that I won't touch a hair on her pretty little head...for now."
Celes sighed and nodded. Yukito simply smiled and clapped his hands together. "Excellent. Oh, and don't think that your regular Shikai and Bankai will work. They pale in comparison to what is waiting for you." Yukito began to walk away from the rock, his eyes fixated on Celes. The piercing blue nearly dropping her body temperature. With that, he launched himself at her. A speed equivalent to Celes' for a moment. The Shinigami did not know how he would attack. She reasoned that if Yukito was in her Inner World, he must possess everything that she does. She would be fighting herself with one major difference...he was not afraid to draw blood.
As he closed in, her utilized his impressive momentum to execute a spinning back kick. It was fast. Even Celes could not deny this. Regardless, she simply lowered her stance. She was safe from the kick and could count-. Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden force hitting her in the face. A rising knee that rose against her with equivalent strength, knocking her up and away. As she landed against the ground, she groaned for a moment. Yukito spoke directly afterwards. "Pick yourself up, Captain of the Tenth Division. The ground is no place for us. You and I are warriors. So you better start acting like one or else you'll die before I have a chance to teach you."
As she picked herself up, it seemed that Yukito would already be upon her. She blinked as she saw him come into view. If there was one thing that she had to give him credit for it was his ruthless assault. He raised his elbow, looking to crash it into Celes' temple. The Shinigami growled. She was not going to take another blow to the head. She quickly sprang into action, using Shukuchi-Ho. The fabled Hakuda step technique, it allowed her to fight in close quarters. Using her heightened speed, she grabbed Yukito's arm, placing her foot behind his leg. Ramming into him with impressive speed and strength, she was prepared to utilize a basic takedown, driving her shoulder into his chest.
Yukito despite his confidence and skill was impressed. It was not something that Celes would normally use. It lacked technical finesse, but her pure strength and speed made it work somehow. Plunging him down onto his back, he groaned as Celes came crashing down onto him. This time she went into a full mount. She began to wail upon him. He quickly raised his guard, grinning behind it as Celes started punching at him. She struck him each time, a clean blow to the arms. Yet each time she felt that she was not accomplishing much. She kept up her assault. She wanted to make him pay. She wanted to show him how competent she was. She-; suddenly in the middle of her blows, Yukito grabbed her arm and using his own strength, flung Celes off. The Shinigami was now airborne as she landed on her back once more, clamoring to her feet.
The Hollow within her simply laughed and spoke. "Not bad Celes, I do have to admit. A takedown. Unfortunately for you, they lack a certain precision." Celes growled and drew a breath. She grabbed the hilt of her Zanpakutou as she would vanish from sight. In an instant, she would be before Yukito as there was a fire in her eyes. Her stance was slightly lowered as she unleashed a simple slash. The cutting stroke from the school of Iaijutsu. The blade emerged from her sheath with impressive speed. Though much to her dismay, Yukito would counter himself. After all, much of what Celes knew; he knew as well. He knew the tells, using a Shunpo Karin to swiftly raise his blade in preparation as Celes' came crashing against it. She blinked for a moment as it would not budge. He chuckled. "I've seen that move before Celes..." Using his other foot, he kicked against Celes' ankle with incredible force. The force alone swept her off of her feet as Yukito took a half step back, twisting his body and delivered side kick at the Captain's gut. He suddenly felt herself being sent backward, sliding against the ground as she groaned in pain once more.
As Yukito brought his foot down, he laughed. "Even though that last attack of yours did not leave it mark...you came at me with the full intent to kill me. This is what I'm talking about Celes! Harness that killer's instinct. Though..I'd say that the warm-up is done. Wouldn't you?" Celes blinked as she stared at Yukito. He thought exactly as she did. He knew her well. It was true. To her, this would only be a warm-up in sparring, but to Celes this had become a little more than a spar. She had put her heart and soul into protecting Yunorashi. As she stared at her, Yukito's eyes glanced over Yunorashi as she smirked. "Oh you pleace so much value into her. It's cute...yet sickening. It's time that we truly get to the main act don't you?" Celes sighed for a moment. "If it will get you to shut up then sure! Two bouts of Hakuda and one instance of Zanjutsu. Is this all you have for me?!"
Yukito merely sighed and shook his head. "Allow me to show you what awaits you." Celes peered at Yukito carefully as he closed his eyes. Celes' mind raced for a moment. "What does he have planned? What is he going to show me...?" Soon Celes felt a sudden wave of spiritual pressure emanate from Yukito. He sighed, not speaking a word as his own two Zanpakutou glowed a red-hot color. Celes knew it well. It was her Shikai. What did he have to show her that she didn't already know. She was about to speak out as suddenly the two weapons disappeared from sight. Their glow fading into nothingness as the Hollow was suddenly without weapons. Then she felt another wave of spiritual pressure.
That pressure arose from his body in a red haze. This haze soon encapsulated him as though he were in the midst of a flickering flame. This haze expanded as around him, something began to take shape. Her eyes widened as it took a very real physical appearance. It was as though his own reiatsu were bending to his will, summoning something forth. Soon the Hollow was surrounded by what appeared to be a ribcage. It was large as the haze continued to surround it. Celes blinked in awe as she spoke. "W..what is that?" Yukito merely grinned. "The power that awaits you if you succeed. Though you will not earn it without cost. Come at me, Celes! Show me what a Captain of Soul Society is capable of!" Yukito would appear unmoving. Did he want her to approach?
If this was the case, Celes would oblige him. She needed to understand what she was facing. She began her swift approach, aiming to crash her fist into it. There would be no movement. No direct resistance on the part of Yukito. As Celes' fist crashed into the ribcage, she felt resistance. A lot of resistance actually. It cracked for a moment, fissures and splinters arising around the point of impact. Just as quickly as they had formed, Celes watched the ribcage not only resist her full-strength punch, but it began to repair itself. Suddenly, something happened. The side of the ribcage took more shape as a large spectral arm and hand materialized from it.
Celes blinked for a moment as the arm crashed down with equal speed between herself and the ribcage. Celes, shocked, moved instinctually as the dust around them rose, engulfing both of them for a moment. The red haze of the ribcage and its arm illuminated throughout the cloud as Celes coughed. The Hollow grinned for a moment. Just as quickly as before, the hand moved, threatening to slap Celes away. This time Celes was prepared, the shock diminishing. With an incredible step she launched herself up, using the arm to vault over with impressive agility. Using the momentum, she came crashing down against the ribcage once more. Again, it splintered, cracking somewhat though it did not repair immediately. She blinked, using a Shunpo to carry herself backward to create distance. She would look at Yukito as the Hollow grinned.
He spoke loudly. "Gathering information, I see. Smart. You didn't expect the arm, yet you reacted instinctually. Had you not, you would have been crushed right then and there. Though..." Yukito and the entire form surrounding him vanished for a moment. As quickly as he had vanished, he reappeared once more, this time directly in front of her. The massive arm came to her side, hitting the entirety of her body as she spat blood. She suddenly flew in the direction of the force as another arm emerged, this time from the other side. It grabbed Celes' body and slammed her into the ground. The Captain spat out more blood as she tried to rise to her feet. Yukito shook his head.
"You shouldn't let give up the offensive so easily. Maybe you could have cracked it more, but you gave up. Ferocity, Celes. That is what I'm looking for. Those last two hits look like they hurt and that's a lot blood. Perhaps you need more motivation..." He began moving away from Celes' battered body as she tried to raise herself again. The ribcage around Yukito faded. He approached Yunorashi and kicked her side, flipping her onto her back. He quickly delivered one kick to her unconscious body. Then another. The crack of bone could be heard as Yunorashi began to bleed. Celes could only watch. She looked on as the Hollow brutalized Yunorashi. She whimpered and cried out loudly. "Stop it! You'll kill her!"
Celes whimpered softly as Yukito spoke. "She will die if you don't get your act together. If you don't pull yourself together, everyone you care for will die due to your weakness. Do you want that Celes?! Should Yunorashi die for your weakness?!" Another kick delivered to her side made Celes' heart fill with rage. She rose to her feet and screamed out loudly. It was completely unlike anything that the Shinigami had experienced prior. She felt a raw rage. The desire to maim Yukito. To make him suffer. As she screamed, a familiar blood red vapor of reaitsu formed around her. This haze soon focused itself as she continued screaming. Soon, the ribcage would form as Celes gasped, falling to her knees. The ribcage remained as she tried to focus. Yukito stared at her, no longer kicking Yunorashi.
He chuckled and moved away from her bloodied and broken body. He spoke confidently. "See that's what I'm talking about Celes! This right here is what you should let out more often. The killing intent will serve you well. Now let's see how you use it!" The ribcage formed around Yukito once more as he dashed in. Celes rose to her feet and growled. Focusing her will, her desire to protect Yunorashi, she imagened an arm The form around her twisted as from the ribcage emerged a 15 ft arm, crashing against Yukito's. His eyes widened as the force shook him, sending him backwards as one of his arms slowed theor slide to a crawl and finally a screeching halt.
Yes! Excellent! Focus Celes. Draw more of it out!" Celes bit her tongue, crying out in anger once more. She focused her will again as another arm emerged from the vacant side this time. She sighed as she felt there was more. If this was a humanoid form, then maybe...she could do this! Celes focused again and groaned as the top of the ribcage sent a bonelike structure upward. Yukito would only watch, impressed with what he was seeing. Celes' scream reached new heights as a skull formed and the two hollow orbits suddenly lit up with a yellow glow. Celes gasped as she looked at Yukito. She could see so much more. Subtle movements. Did it enhance her natural sight? Celes was not sure. She had to push it further. She needed to. She had to concentrate on all of these parts, and it hurt. Every part of her body ached as though she was burning alive. Every cell felt like it was in agony.
She breathed in and focused more. There had to be a way to solidify this will. To give it further shape. She yelled again, screaming at the top of her lungs as she pain rose. She could not explain why, but it hurt even more. The ribcage expanded, forming a more humanoid appearance. It grew and grew until her voice became raw. As she fell to her knees, the humanoid remained to defend her. It remained for a solid minute. He grinned as the form began to dissolve. It's bones becoming a fine dust as it faded away, the vapor around her disappearing as Yukito dismissed his own. He began to approach her quivering body as he grinned. His satisfaction was visible beyond any reasonable doubt.
"Excellent job Celes. You truly are more gifted than I thought! I expect more of you. After all, there will come a day when we have to settle this..." Celes looked up and breathed shakily, gasping for air. "Settle what...?" Yukito's voice became more sinister and yet strangely gleeful. "Dominion over this body of course. A clash of the titans! Don't worry, I won't harm you or Yunorashi. For now. The stronger that you become, the more powerful I get." Celes sighed and whimpered. "Why did you do this.." He sighed. "Still so naive. I you die, I perish with you. I won't let that happen. Think as your previous Shikai and Bankai as steppingstones. A taste of the real deal. Cherish this power. You've earned it. Hone it though...You will need to if you wish to survive against me.."
He reached forward to her forehead. Before tapping it, he spoke once more. "Oh and remember this. Walk the Earth. Unfurl your Wings and Fly as a Tengu." Celes nodded for a moment, blinking and comitting them to memory. As she did, Yukito tapped her forehead as her vision began to blur. "Until next time Celes. Don't worry, I'll look after Yunorashi. She will recover though don't force me to do this again..." As Celes' vision darkened, she found herself back atop a rock. The sight of trees filled her vision as she groaned from even subtle movements. Her entire body felt sore. As if she would pass it with the simplest movement. She laid onto the stone and sighed, speaking softly. "Walk the Earth....Unfurl Your Wings and Fly as a Tengu.." She pondered for a moment. "Those sound like a release phrases..."
Her bones creaked and it all still continued to hurt. She wouldn't be in any condition to the return to the Barracks safely. This was her sanctuary, however. Perhaps she could just rest here. Regain her strength. She sighed, thinking of Yunorashi. Celes wanted nothing more than to protect her Zanpakutou Spirit. She needed to find a way to protect her from further harm. Her mind began to race, thinking of possibilities as she sighed. Her voice emerged weakly. "Oh dear...there may be only one solution..." She hated to think about it, but it may need to be done. She sighed, closing her eyes and trying to rest. After all...it would be a a few hours before she could reasonably move again.
It couldn't have been more than a week ago. Celes ventured to the Human World to meet with an old acquaintance. The Quincy known as Aldwin. Celes had initially met him some time ago during her time as the Third Seat of the Eleventh Division. She had saved him from a lethal Hollow attack and given him a bit of her reiatsu to complete a little project of his. A blade that could purify Hollows much like a Shinigami, giving willing participants of any type, the ability to effectively aid Soul Society if they so desired. To Celes it was a noble cause, and the Shinigami was more than happy to assist the Quincy in his efforts. Ever since then she had rarely heard of the Quincy except for some reports, but as luck may have had it, she was contacted by him.
Her mood darkened for a moment as two voices filled her eyes. "I got you now!" Suddenly another voice piped up among her recruits. "Don't count me out yet! You havn't seen the extent of what I can do!" It raged onward as Celes continued to reminisce. Catching up with Aldwin, the two of them had met in a tea shop and discussed a new project of his. The events of late made it hard for Celes to remember, but regardless she carried on. He needed assistance with testing out the gadget of his. Being more than happy to oblige, Celes eagerly followed through with it. Then the memory went dark again. She could not explain why, but parts of that day were missing. She could, for sure, only recall one thing. She did not know why, but she could not hear Yunorashi. More than that...she could not use her Shikai and Bankai.
She had been trying for the past few days, but both were completely inaccessible to her. She had not told anyone. She couldn't tell anyone. After all, how would the others react. She was a Captain without her release. She sighed for a moment as she looked at her twin Zanpakutou. Two beautiful blades that could not assume their true potential. The recent development had done the unthinkable. It truly damaged her morale. Her pride. She looked at the ferocity of the two Shinigami sparring before her. She sighed, new thoughts rummaging through her head. She could not give up...could she? She was a Captain. She had a responsibility to this new generation of Shinigami. But first there was something she need to take care of. There was a malady upon her soul, and she needed to find out what.
As she rose, her officers looked at her with a momentary glance of confusion. One of them pipped up for a moment. "Captain Celes...is something wrong?" Celes peered at them for a moment before shaking her head. Her voice rang loud and clear. "Not at all. I need to take of something, I won't try to be long." The two Shinigami nodded as the rest of the recruits smiled at her. Smiling back, she left the barracks. As she walked outside, the sun was shining brightly and the rest of her Squad was training diligently. This always warmed her heart. Utilizing a quick Shunpo, she delved into the forests of the Soul Society, ready to reclaim that which she had rightfully earned...
Thanks to Celes natural speed, fortified by her use of a Shunpo, Celes would find herself at her destination in no time. More than that, she knew the quickest route even at high speed. When her Shunpo finished carrying her, the Shinigami found herself in a natural clearing, a few kilometers deep into the forest. She sighed for a moment, looking at chipped rock, broken twigs and other debris that filled the clearing. In truth it saddened her a little. This was the closest equivalent to a private sanctuary that she possessed. She began to slowly make her way over to the rock, covered in moss and leaves. Effortlessly, she leapt onto it as she simultaneously drew one of her Zanpakutou.
Sitting down upon the familiar rock face, Celes sat her blade upon her lap and concentrated. She muttered to herself. "Come on Celes...you've done this multiple times. You can do it now..." She closed her eyes and concentrated for a moment. She knew the drill. She had to clear her mind of all things. Focus only on her Inner World. As she relaxed and cleared her mind, she heard much of the surrounding ambience. Birds chirping, the wind blowing, even sometimes the nearby leaf falling. She breathed calmly and opened her eyes to be met with...the same sight of the clearing. She sighed, shaking her head. "Again.." The same mental preparation led her into a trance as she waited for a few seconds. Now dozens. Finally, a minute. Then several minutes. She opened her eyes again and nothing.
She growled for a moment, becoming agitated. She could not understand why she was having trouble. "It's worked so many times before. I always just imagine myself in the forest with Yunor-" Celes thought for a moment and then it clicked. She really did not like the conclusion that she came to, but it needed to be done anyway. This time as Celes focused, she did not imagine Yunorashi. Instead, the Shinigami focused upon that demon within. The Inner Hollow that resided within her. His pale complexion, the black hair and finally those piercing blue eyes. She shivered at the thoight as she tried to focus. Soon the world around began to shift and fade into a haze. She then opened her eyes.
As she looked upon her Inner World, she was admittedly shocked at first. She was not met with the soothing green of forest and shrubs. Instead, there was a charred and battered wasteland as far as the eye could see. She kept looking around, frantically looking for any sign of Yunorashi. That's when she heard a chuckle from behind her. She slowly turned around and blinked as she saw a boulder similiar to the one that she was sitting on in Soul Society. Upon it sat the Inner Hollow. She was speechless. It worked! Though she did not like the sight. The Hollow simply smirked as he gazed upon her with those chilling orbits. She felt frozen to the bone...
Almost as if on cue, he spoke in that calm yet sinister tone. "Well done, Celes. You finally made it back. I see you figured out that you had to focus on me this time..." He chuckled and looked from side to side. "You like what I've done to the place? A sight to behold. Carnage as far as the eye can see. Legends say that a legendary battle occurred out here. Interesting to think what legendary bloodshed took place here, don't ya think?" He grinned for a moment before it became a smirk once more. Celes simply growled and spoke in the calmest tone that she could. "Where is Yunorashi? Why can't I enter here by thinking of her like I normally would?"
He simply shook his head and tilted it for a moment afterwards. "She's right here of course." With one step back, he gently kicked something. It sounded heavy for a moment as the seemingly light kick catapulted the unconscious body of Yunorashi atop the rock. Celes looked onward in shock. She was bruised all over. Bleeding from some more than others. She had cuts all over as Celes was move to move forward. Before she could even take a step, the Inner Hollow spoke. "Not so hasty Celes. No worries. She's still alive. For now. It will be to you to decide how long that remains." Celes bit her lip and simply froze in place. She was not prepared to test his theory.
He merely grinned for a moment as Celes sighed, speaking in a slightly angrier tone as she tried to hold herself back. "What the hell did you do to her...?" The Hollow chuckled and shrugged. "Nothing much. All I did was show her a taste of what's to come. As I told you once Celes. You are weak. Well today I decided to do you a favor. We will change that together. None of that sentimental stuff though. You are in for a beatdown of your lifetime, and we will see if you have what it takes to truly control your dormant ability." Celes growled as she tried to take everything in. She did not understand what he meant. Dormant ability? Just what was he talking about?
She spat out. "Listen here Hollow. If y-" He smirked, interrupting her. "Listen here Shinigami." He spoke in a way that purposefully mocked her. "See how stupid it sounds. You can call me Yukito." Celes blinked for a moment. He had a name? As much as she felt that he was lying, she didn't have any reason to not oblige him. She was the honorable warrior type after all and Yunorashi's very survival may be on the line. She blinked for a moment. She gulped and spoke softly. "As you wish, Yukito. I will play your little game if you guarantee Yunorashi's safety..." He grinned and sighed. "It all depends on you Celes. If you can meet my expectations. If you do, I assure you that I won't touch a hair on her pretty little head...for now."
Celes sighed and nodded. Yukito simply smiled and clapped his hands together. "Excellent. Oh, and don't think that your regular Shikai and Bankai will work. They pale in comparison to what is waiting for you." Yukito began to walk away from the rock, his eyes fixated on Celes. The piercing blue nearly dropping her body temperature. With that, he launched himself at her. A speed equivalent to Celes' for a moment. The Shinigami did not know how he would attack. She reasoned that if Yukito was in her Inner World, he must possess everything that she does. She would be fighting herself with one major difference...he was not afraid to draw blood.
As he closed in, her utilized his impressive momentum to execute a spinning back kick. It was fast. Even Celes could not deny this. Regardless, she simply lowered her stance. She was safe from the kick and could count-. Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden force hitting her in the face. A rising knee that rose against her with equivalent strength, knocking her up and away. As she landed against the ground, she groaned for a moment. Yukito spoke directly afterwards. "Pick yourself up, Captain of the Tenth Division. The ground is no place for us. You and I are warriors. So you better start acting like one or else you'll die before I have a chance to teach you."
As she picked herself up, it seemed that Yukito would already be upon her. She blinked as she saw him come into view. If there was one thing that she had to give him credit for it was his ruthless assault. He raised his elbow, looking to crash it into Celes' temple. The Shinigami growled. She was not going to take another blow to the head. She quickly sprang into action, using Shukuchi-Ho. The fabled Hakuda step technique, it allowed her to fight in close quarters. Using her heightened speed, she grabbed Yukito's arm, placing her foot behind his leg. Ramming into him with impressive speed and strength, she was prepared to utilize a basic takedown, driving her shoulder into his chest.
Yukito despite his confidence and skill was impressed. It was not something that Celes would normally use. It lacked technical finesse, but her pure strength and speed made it work somehow. Plunging him down onto his back, he groaned as Celes came crashing down onto him. This time she went into a full mount. She began to wail upon him. He quickly raised his guard, grinning behind it as Celes started punching at him. She struck him each time, a clean blow to the arms. Yet each time she felt that she was not accomplishing much. She kept up her assault. She wanted to make him pay. She wanted to show him how competent she was. She-; suddenly in the middle of her blows, Yukito grabbed her arm and using his own strength, flung Celes off. The Shinigami was now airborne as she landed on her back once more, clamoring to her feet.
The Hollow within her simply laughed and spoke. "Not bad Celes, I do have to admit. A takedown. Unfortunately for you, they lack a certain precision." Celes growled and drew a breath. She grabbed the hilt of her Zanpakutou as she would vanish from sight. In an instant, she would be before Yukito as there was a fire in her eyes. Her stance was slightly lowered as she unleashed a simple slash. The cutting stroke from the school of Iaijutsu. The blade emerged from her sheath with impressive speed. Though much to her dismay, Yukito would counter himself. After all, much of what Celes knew; he knew as well. He knew the tells, using a Shunpo Karin to swiftly raise his blade in preparation as Celes' came crashing against it. She blinked for a moment as it would not budge. He chuckled. "I've seen that move before Celes..." Using his other foot, he kicked against Celes' ankle with incredible force. The force alone swept her off of her feet as Yukito took a half step back, twisting his body and delivered side kick at the Captain's gut. He suddenly felt herself being sent backward, sliding against the ground as she groaned in pain once more.
As Yukito brought his foot down, he laughed. "Even though that last attack of yours did not leave it mark...you came at me with the full intent to kill me. This is what I'm talking about Celes! Harness that killer's instinct. Though..I'd say that the warm-up is done. Wouldn't you?" Celes blinked as she stared at Yukito. He thought exactly as she did. He knew her well. It was true. To her, this would only be a warm-up in sparring, but to Celes this had become a little more than a spar. She had put her heart and soul into protecting Yunorashi. As she stared at her, Yukito's eyes glanced over Yunorashi as she smirked. "Oh you pleace so much value into her. It's cute...yet sickening. It's time that we truly get to the main act don't you?" Celes sighed for a moment. "If it will get you to shut up then sure! Two bouts of Hakuda and one instance of Zanjutsu. Is this all you have for me?!"
Yukito merely sighed and shook his head. "Allow me to show you what awaits you." Celes peered at Yukito carefully as he closed his eyes. Celes' mind raced for a moment. "What does he have planned? What is he going to show me...?" Soon Celes felt a sudden wave of spiritual pressure emanate from Yukito. He sighed, not speaking a word as his own two Zanpakutou glowed a red-hot color. Celes knew it well. It was her Shikai. What did he have to show her that she didn't already know. She was about to speak out as suddenly the two weapons disappeared from sight. Their glow fading into nothingness as the Hollow was suddenly without weapons. Then she felt another wave of spiritual pressure.
That pressure arose from his body in a red haze. This haze soon encapsulated him as though he were in the midst of a flickering flame. This haze expanded as around him, something began to take shape. Her eyes widened as it took a very real physical appearance. It was as though his own reiatsu were bending to his will, summoning something forth. Soon the Hollow was surrounded by what appeared to be a ribcage. It was large as the haze continued to surround it. Celes blinked in awe as she spoke. "W..what is that?" Yukito merely grinned. "The power that awaits you if you succeed. Though you will not earn it without cost. Come at me, Celes! Show me what a Captain of Soul Society is capable of!" Yukito would appear unmoving. Did he want her to approach?
If this was the case, Celes would oblige him. She needed to understand what she was facing. She began her swift approach, aiming to crash her fist into it. There would be no movement. No direct resistance on the part of Yukito. As Celes' fist crashed into the ribcage, she felt resistance. A lot of resistance actually. It cracked for a moment, fissures and splinters arising around the point of impact. Just as quickly as they had formed, Celes watched the ribcage not only resist her full-strength punch, but it began to repair itself. Suddenly, something happened. The side of the ribcage took more shape as a large spectral arm and hand materialized from it.
Celes blinked for a moment as the arm crashed down with equal speed between herself and the ribcage. Celes, shocked, moved instinctually as the dust around them rose, engulfing both of them for a moment. The red haze of the ribcage and its arm illuminated throughout the cloud as Celes coughed. The Hollow grinned for a moment. Just as quickly as before, the hand moved, threatening to slap Celes away. This time Celes was prepared, the shock diminishing. With an incredible step she launched herself up, using the arm to vault over with impressive agility. Using the momentum, she came crashing down against the ribcage once more. Again, it splintered, cracking somewhat though it did not repair immediately. She blinked, using a Shunpo to carry herself backward to create distance. She would look at Yukito as the Hollow grinned.
He spoke loudly. "Gathering information, I see. Smart. You didn't expect the arm, yet you reacted instinctually. Had you not, you would have been crushed right then and there. Though..." Yukito and the entire form surrounding him vanished for a moment. As quickly as he had vanished, he reappeared once more, this time directly in front of her. The massive arm came to her side, hitting the entirety of her body as she spat blood. She suddenly flew in the direction of the force as another arm emerged, this time from the other side. It grabbed Celes' body and slammed her into the ground. The Captain spat out more blood as she tried to rise to her feet. Yukito shook his head.
"You shouldn't let give up the offensive so easily. Maybe you could have cracked it more, but you gave up. Ferocity, Celes. That is what I'm looking for. Those last two hits look like they hurt and that's a lot blood. Perhaps you need more motivation..." He began moving away from Celes' battered body as she tried to raise herself again. The ribcage around Yukito faded. He approached Yunorashi and kicked her side, flipping her onto her back. He quickly delivered one kick to her unconscious body. Then another. The crack of bone could be heard as Yunorashi began to bleed. Celes could only watch. She looked on as the Hollow brutalized Yunorashi. She whimpered and cried out loudly. "Stop it! You'll kill her!"
Celes whimpered softly as Yukito spoke. "She will die if you don't get your act together. If you don't pull yourself together, everyone you care for will die due to your weakness. Do you want that Celes?! Should Yunorashi die for your weakness?!" Another kick delivered to her side made Celes' heart fill with rage. She rose to her feet and screamed out loudly. It was completely unlike anything that the Shinigami had experienced prior. She felt a raw rage. The desire to maim Yukito. To make him suffer. As she screamed, a familiar blood red vapor of reaitsu formed around her. This haze soon focused itself as she continued screaming. Soon, the ribcage would form as Celes gasped, falling to her knees. The ribcage remained as she tried to focus. Yukito stared at her, no longer kicking Yunorashi.
He chuckled and moved away from her bloodied and broken body. He spoke confidently. "See that's what I'm talking about Celes! This right here is what you should let out more often. The killing intent will serve you well. Now let's see how you use it!" The ribcage formed around Yukito once more as he dashed in. Celes rose to her feet and growled. Focusing her will, her desire to protect Yunorashi, she imagened an arm The form around her twisted as from the ribcage emerged a 15 ft arm, crashing against Yukito's. His eyes widened as the force shook him, sending him backwards as one of his arms slowed theor slide to a crawl and finally a screeching halt.
Yes! Excellent! Focus Celes. Draw more of it out!" Celes bit her tongue, crying out in anger once more. She focused her will again as another arm emerged from the vacant side this time. She sighed as she felt there was more. If this was a humanoid form, then maybe...she could do this! Celes focused again and groaned as the top of the ribcage sent a bonelike structure upward. Yukito would only watch, impressed with what he was seeing. Celes' scream reached new heights as a skull formed and the two hollow orbits suddenly lit up with a yellow glow. Celes gasped as she looked at Yukito. She could see so much more. Subtle movements. Did it enhance her natural sight? Celes was not sure. She had to push it further. She needed to. She had to concentrate on all of these parts, and it hurt. Every part of her body ached as though she was burning alive. Every cell felt like it was in agony.
She breathed in and focused more. There had to be a way to solidify this will. To give it further shape. She yelled again, screaming at the top of her lungs as she pain rose. She could not explain why, but it hurt even more. The ribcage expanded, forming a more humanoid appearance. It grew and grew until her voice became raw. As she fell to her knees, the humanoid remained to defend her. It remained for a solid minute. He grinned as the form began to dissolve. It's bones becoming a fine dust as it faded away, the vapor around her disappearing as Yukito dismissed his own. He began to approach her quivering body as he grinned. His satisfaction was visible beyond any reasonable doubt.
"Excellent job Celes. You truly are more gifted than I thought! I expect more of you. After all, there will come a day when we have to settle this..." Celes looked up and breathed shakily, gasping for air. "Settle what...?" Yukito's voice became more sinister and yet strangely gleeful. "Dominion over this body of course. A clash of the titans! Don't worry, I won't harm you or Yunorashi. For now. The stronger that you become, the more powerful I get." Celes sighed and whimpered. "Why did you do this.." He sighed. "Still so naive. I you die, I perish with you. I won't let that happen. Think as your previous Shikai and Bankai as steppingstones. A taste of the real deal. Cherish this power. You've earned it. Hone it though...You will need to if you wish to survive against me.."
He reached forward to her forehead. Before tapping it, he spoke once more. "Oh and remember this. Walk the Earth. Unfurl your Wings and Fly as a Tengu." Celes nodded for a moment, blinking and comitting them to memory. As she did, Yukito tapped her forehead as her vision began to blur. "Until next time Celes. Don't worry, I'll look after Yunorashi. She will recover though don't force me to do this again..." As Celes' vision darkened, she found herself back atop a rock. The sight of trees filled her vision as she groaned from even subtle movements. Her entire body felt sore. As if she would pass it with the simplest movement. She laid onto the stone and sighed, speaking softly. "Walk the Earth....Unfurl Your Wings and Fly as a Tengu.." She pondered for a moment. "Those sound like a release phrases..."
Her bones creaked and it all still continued to hurt. She wouldn't be in any condition to the return to the Barracks safely. This was her sanctuary, however. Perhaps she could just rest here. Regain her strength. She sighed, thinking of Yunorashi. Celes wanted nothing more than to protect her Zanpakutou Spirit. She needed to find a way to protect her from further harm. Her mind began to race, thinking of possibilities as she sighed. Her voice emerged weakly. "Oh dear...there may be only one solution..." She hated to think about it, but it may need to be done. She sighed, closing her eyes and trying to rest. After all...it would be a a few hours before she could reasonably move again.
