Trial For The New Bloods [JT, Chika/Celes]

[Tala Selao]

Tala wasn't surprised that she'd managed to dodge the beams of light but that she had managed to do so in such a quick fashion that he didn't notice her movements. He wasn't sure if she'd used some form of Shunpo or just her own natural speed but regardless of what it had been, it had terrified the hell out of him. How were they supposed to catch and retrieve the bells from her when she had that type of monstrous speed. He wasn't sure whether Chika using Shunpo would even be able to get close to those speeds let alone himself.

However before he could even properly think of a way to beat Celes' speed, Chika had decided to use this as her moment to strike, her blade causing the mesmerizing and somewhat odd spatial distortion in the air. Of course he didn't expect this nor her following charge to work; however he couldn't just let her go after the Captain on her own. However he wasn't one to just charge in recklessly as she was doing now and would quickly come up with a temporary plan of action to capitalize on Chika distracting the Captain.

With the speeds that she'd just demonstrated, as well as the fact the the Captain had chosen to only dodge his bakudō and not follow it up with any kind of retaliation, he expected her to dodge Chika's charge and not attempt to counterattack despite her having just told them that they'd have to go at her with the intent to kill. So he simply needed to wait for her to dodge Chika's brash charge and catch where she'd end up. As soon as he spots where she lands is when he'd begin his hastily formulated plan.

The first step was to get to her as quickly as he could without her realizing and that would require him to use Shunpo at his full speed, carrying him forward at a speed of 1,700. Of course, most people who could achieve the speeds that Celes had exhibited had a somewhat equal level of reflex to accompany it but he was praying that she was just slow enough for him to get next to her. Once he was, and as long as she didn't immediately dodge or just sweep him away, he then reached out to pat her on the shoulder and speak the name of his next bakudō, one of the simplest in fact.

"Bakudō number one: Sai." As soon as the name was spoken and Tala's hand was still in contact with Celes, she'd find her arms being locked behind her back, although she'd still likely be able to break through the spell with her monstrous strength alone. Tala would end up being shocked and surprised if he'd managed to achieve this, simply staring wide eyed at the Captain and leaving himself wide open for retaliation. However he was still well aware of the fact that Sai only disabled an opponent's arms and those that were practiced in some form of martial arts were still a capable threat as he'd learned first hand in the past.

So if Celes did attempt any kind of kick towards his body or upwards, he'd bring up the arm that wasn't holding his spear to try and block her strike as he summoned another bakudō to help him, although this one being quite weak and only lasting a few seconds since he'd only manifested it without a chant or name. As the small, round orange shield of energy appeared on his wrist, it'd instantly shatter upon contact with Celes strike, however it'd leave Celes with quite a shock as it sent a jolt of electricity up her leg, temporarily numbing and paralyzing her for a few seconds.

Regardless of this fact, if Celes had hit him any harder than he could withstand, Tala would end up being flung away several feet from the impact of her strike. And this were the case then he'd be struggling for breath for a moment as he goes to recover, letting out a very odd and unbecoming sound for an officer as he pulled himself up with, using his spear to stand back up. However as he does, he begins to focus on the heat in the air around them.

Using his Hāsu's powers was a bit of an overwhelming experience to him as it was something he's had to balance and tune out now whenever he didn't want to use it. However, as he focused and tuned into it now, he could feel the difference in heat around them, the biggest source being in his hands right now but he didn't want to tap into that yet. He focuses on the ambient heat in the air and begins to pull and store it inside Hāsu's blades. It wasn't much more than what was already there but if he kept pulling in the heat, then he could use that along with Hāsu's for what he planned.

It would become apparent to the other two that he was planning something as the blades of his spears began to glow brightly, and the air around it shimmered with the heat that was emitting from it. It was a rather intense heat, so much so that even Tala was beginning to sweat from it. However he wasn't ready to use it yet as he held his stance with his eyes closed. Hopefully this would work, despite having only done this during Hāsu's awakening during the invasion.

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{Reiatsu Pool - 5,750/6,000}-50 Shunpo (
-25 Bakudō #1: Sai (Restrain)
-25 Bakudō #8: Seki (Repulse)

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{Bakudō #1: Sai (Restrain) - 200 OS}Class: 7

Technique Type: Kido

Technique Element: [None]

Technique Description and Effects: Causes the target's arms to lock in place behind their back.

How to use technique: Physical contact is required from the hand of the caster to any part of the body of the target.

Incantation and Effect: Incantation increases the strength behind the technique by 10%. (I.E. A reiatsu strength of 100 would instead be valued at 110 for this technique.) "Man, shaped by Divine hands, revert to the form before limbs, clutch at your own throat and be afraid."

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{Bakudō #8: Seki (Repulse) - 200 OS}Class: 7

Technique Type: Kido

Technique Element: [None]

Technique Description and Effects: Creates a small round shield of typically orange reiatsu along the user's wrist, not unlike small shields used with broad swords. Typically useless against Kido, this shield repulses low level physical strikes, and sends electricity back into the attacker to result in low level paralysis and temporary numbness.

How to use technique: Can be instantaneously cast, but is very brittle and weak without incantation and name being spoken. Lasts only mere seconds upon creation, and paralysis does not work on those with superior spiritual strength.

Incantation and Effect: Incantation allows shield to last up to twenty seconds at any one time, and increases its strength by 10%. (I.E. A reiatsu strength valued at 100 would instead be worth 110.) "Disintegrate, you black dog of Rondanini! Look upon yourself with horror and then seize your own throat!"

[Celes Castellanos]

Having dodged the rods of light that would surely cripple her, Celes let out a sigh of relief. She knew that she was dealing with a Seated Officer. A... Seventh Seat, if she recalled correctly? To open with a 60s level Kido was a bold move but Celes was excited, nonetheless. What other skills would they display? What other strategies would they use in an attempt to get the bells off of her person? The possibilities were endless. It certainly psyched the Captain up quite a bit as she couldn't help but grin. 

It seemed that while she had foiled Tala's attempt, Chika had plans of her own. From where she stood next to Tala, the girl's blade sliced through the air. As it did, a strange starry eye took shape. It would remain for a few moments before vanishing as quickly as it appeared. Needless to say, Celes had no idea what just happened. However, before she knew it, she felt a pain shoot up across her stomach. Her eyes widened as she gritted her teeth. "Feels like steel!" Gliding up along her body in unison with Chika's attack, Celes instinctively flexed her core and chest while tilting her head away from the rising slash. As soon as she did, it only seemed to scrape against her flesh unable to truly damage it. 

Even despite her quick reflexes, she got cut from the sheer suddenness of it. A faint trail of blood trickled down from the wound. As it dripped to the floor, Chika would have her confirmation that she landed her mark. Speaking of the girl, Celes focused on her intently. As the eye took form behind her, Celes blinked. "Did her blade extend that far to reach me in that moment? But... I didn't even see anything?" Could her blade really extend to cut her? She wasn't sure. Nevertheless, it told Celes one thing. She had to treat Chika like a ranged opponent! 

Chika, however, was eager. She wouldn't just leave it at that. As Celes began to descend after her leap, Chika looked to close the distance. Her alacrity was formidable for an Unseated Officer. Hell, it likely almost matched a few Vice-Captains. Celes, however, was a step above that. As she had demonstrated earlier, her speed was in a league of its own, rivaled only by two other Captains at best. As such, Chika's movements were a little sluggish to her. Not to mention that her intentions were as clear as day. She wanted those bells!

Once her feet touched the ground, Tala disappeared from sight. Her grin widened a little further. She was excited to see where Tala would choose to go. Would he reposition at range or would he join Chika in closing the distance. Her ears perked up as she heard the characteristic woosh of a Shunpo. "Guess I have my answer." Tala was flanking her. She couldn't help but comment on the situation. "Excellent! Take advantage of my flanks!" It was almost encouraging in a way. She wanted them to use everything at their disposal. 

Standing off to her side though, Celes had Tala in her peripheral vision. She could make out his hand trying to reach for her. Unlike Chika, Tala was timid. She didn't expect him to blast her with something like Hadō. Based off his initial cast, it seemed he favored Bakudō. "Excellent." As Chika reached to grab a bell from Celes, the Captain moved at her full speed for a few moments. Attempting to gently grab hold of Chika's arm, Celes displayed rather impressive footwork. Using her training in Bagua, the Captain circled around Chika and used very subtle movements in an attempt to redirect the girl and place her in front of Tala. If it worked, the maneuver would be so fast and seamless that it almost looked as though Celes and Chika switched places. 

Naturally, this would spell bad news for Chika. Celes suspected that if Tala couldn't react in time, Chika would be at the mercy of the coming Kido. Alternatively, maybe Chika would just crash into Tala? Either way, if her initial redirection succeeded, Celes would safe at the moment. The grin of pure excitement and thrill wouldn't waver. She was getting pumped. Perhaps it was time to have a little fun with them. Kicking the ground to send herself back a few feet, she closed her eyes for a moment and sighed.

She began to ponder about Orobas and Camila. "How did that incantation go again?" Once it clicked, Celes grinned and spoke loudly. "Shinigami Battle Tactics 101: Kidō, The Demon Arts." She winked at them and began to allow her spiritual energy to bleed from her form. Despite not being particularly dense, it had a force to it. In fact, Celes' exerted a gravitational pressure to the ground around her which caused it to crack violently. Only allowing it to surge out to a couple feet around her, it wouldn't affect Chika nor Tala, but it was ominous if nothing else.

Now that the stage was set, Celes spoke with some enthusiasm. “Ye lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! On the wall of blue flame, inscribe a twin lotus. In the abyss of conflagration, wait at the far heavens.” It was undoubtedly the incantation for a Kidō. Celes was known among the Captains for having dedicated herself to Hakuda and Zanjutsu. To even hear her attempt to use Kidō would be shocking on its own. She'd grin and roar loudly, "Hado #73: Sōren Sōkatsui!" As she brought her hand up to aim at the pair, she allowed her reiryoku to flare even more wildly. If they were on edge, expecting the twin fireballs to erupt from Celes' hand, they would be surprised to nothing more than a puff of smoke to arise from the Captain. She fell silent for a moment. Suddenly, her spiritual energy died down as well. She tried to hold back a laugh. Alas she'd fail as she broke into a laughing fit. After all, she just wanted to scare the shit out of them.

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{Celes' Reiatsu Pool}
Hado #73: Sōren Sōkatsui - 400

Total Reiatsu: 1500/1500

[Chika Hirabayashi]

As she'd practically dived for the bells currently around Celes' waist, it seemed that the Shinigami had another plan for her, almost in sync with Tala's own movements. As the two had gone to flank the Captain, maneuvering almost expertly if their opponent hadn't so significantly outclassed them, it seemed that Celes had a bit of a different plan in mind for the pair.

As the Captain grabbed hold of the girl, and immediately shifted her about the makeshift battlefield within a fraction of a moment, Chika had now found herself in the middle of the two of them; naturally, not a very wonderful place to be in given that Tala had prepared to utilize a Bakudō on the Captain. Though, thankfully? Chika had been able to react fast to the situation at hand! While she moved much faster than she'd have liked, she was quite a bit faster than Tala had been able to move, giving the foxgirl enough time to react how she wanted.

Without any somatic requirement from Chika, and manifesting instantaneously between the two of them, Chika called forth a starry manifestation between herself and Tala. Taking the shape of a fox sitting atop a torii gate, this totem of starlight had given both Tala and Chika the opportunity to rebound from the rather difficult position they'd been put in, and it kept the "Shinigami" from suffering from whatever it was that Tala had prepared with that Bakudō. Out of anything she could've done, this was probably the best answer.

Though, it seemed that Celes had sought to strike at the two with quite an amount of force next. After Tala had launched a 60's level Kidō at Celes, Celes had seemed to prepare to retaliate with one of her own. The mention of Kidō, and the recitation of an incantation of her own immediately put the foxgirl on high-alert. While she had no clue what Celes was going to cast, the longer the incantation went on the more it seemed to worry the girl. Let alone her flaring of spiritual energy that began to quickly run almost rampant.

She needed to act before this spell was finished. She didn't expect it to be anything too incredibly powerful, but she needed to do something! Taking her naginata, and spinning the weapon in one quick arc, the inky black of space trailed behind her weapon, creating a moving, almost-living solidified platform of starry reiatsu between Celes and the two Shinigami. "Take cover!" Chika shouted, huddling close against the wall she created, as Celes finished the incantation she spoke; Soren Sōkatsui.

Though, it seemed that nothing had followed thereafter. Celes had pulled a fast one over the two of them, and seemed to laugh quite a bit in the process. If nothing else, this made the foxgirl pout. She wasn't to be messed with so easily if she could help it! She was going to get those bells, dammit! Sidestepping passed her barrier, and keeping low to the ground, Chika blitzed forward through use of Shunpō; she aimed to do so in such a way to keep herself relatively covered and as far out-of-view of the Captain as she could manage. She was going to be stealthy!

Mid-movement toward the Captain, Chika had held her hand out once more. The goal here was, to no surprise, to try and swipe the bells as best she could! If nothing, else, the girl was rather motivated to get the job done as best she could; she wasn't going to disappoint those that believed in her, nor was she going to disappoint Celes through this whole endeavor! That much was irrefutable fact; to Chika, at least.

Stage 3 Duration: 3/5

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{Reiatsu Pool & Resources}
Chika's Pool: 3,550/4,050
-150 from Reiatsu to Essence of Dreams.
-50 from Shunpō.

Essence of Dreams: 260/600
+150 from Reiatsu.
-50 from Paradox Thesis.
+40 from Keeping an Oath; Blocking Celes as per the assignment.
+40 from Keeping an Oath; Aiming to grab the bell from Celes.
Fragments of Heaven: 2/10
+4 from Essence of Dreams gain.
-4 from Wishes Unnumbered.
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Current Oaths:
"I swear to you, Celes, that I'll grab that bell!"
"I swear to you, Tala, that we'll succeed on this assignment!!"

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{Abilities Used}

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{Overall Ability: Cyclic Fantasies}
As with all Bakkōtō, Yabureta Yume naturally has its own set of unique abilities. Staying true to its namesake, Yabureta Yume is a Bakkōtō that specializes in the concept of "dreams". This doesn't wholly relate to dreams in regards to sleeping, but also dreams as in hopes, and plans for the future. In a sense, ability is partially attributed to time manipulation and reality warping, though on a rather small scale. Most everything Yabureta Yume does is not capable of affecting an area, and even those that do are still quite localized for the most part.

Upon releasing Yabureta Yume's Level Six or higher, an intangible "wheel" of sorts will appear behind Chika, keeping track of two separate resources; Essence of Dreams, and Fragments of Heaven. Up to six hundred Essence of Dreams can be stored at once, and up to twelve Fragments of Heaven can be stored at once. For every fifty Essence of Dreams that Chika builds, she'll be given one Fragment of Heaven. Should she spend that fifty Essence of Dreams, she will not lose her Fragments of Heaven unless she spends them; they're earned alongside one another, but don't decrease together.

Unlike most alternate resource systems, Cyclic Fantasies has a very visual tell, allowing opponents to figure out just what they're dealing with. The wheel that appears behind Chika is a perfect circle, and without any Essence of Dreams takes on a faded purple coloration. This wheel appears almost like little beads, with larger gaps in each segment of the circle where one would expect the numbers on a clock; this is where Chika's Fragments of Heaven rest as she gains them. When earned, these otherwise empty spots will fill with larger, purple orbs, similar to the beadlike orbs that make up Cyclic Fantasies but more describable as actual "orbs". These larger orbs will stay glowing until spent, at which they'll fade completely, as opposed to simply darkening when Essence of Dreams are spent. Both resources will fill in a clockwise pattern as Chika builds them.

While they don't come with any unique effects on their own, both Essence of Dreams and Fragments of Heaven affect the remainder of Chika's release abilities. At any point, Chika is capable of spending Reiatsu or Life Force in order to generate Essence of Dreams. Every one point of Reiatsu will net one Essence of Dreams, whereas every one Life Force will net three.

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{Level 6: Paradox Thesis}
Serving as the first "real" stage of Yabureta Yume, Paradox Thesis is the first step toward the unlocking of the Bakkōtō's abilities. In this stage, Yabureta Yume's Overall Ability takes hold, giving Chika the opportunity to begin to build and spend Essence of Dreams, as well as manifesting the ever-present wheel mentioned in Cyclic Fantasies. Beginning with building up this resource, every successive strike that Chika lands against a foe with Yabureta Yume will build 10 Essence of Dreams.

While Level Six is active, Chika can activate Yabureta Yume's Paradox Thesis. By expending a minimum of 50 Essence of Dreams, and summoning forth a partial-manifestation of a forlorn future, Chika coats her weapon in a starry expanse, mimicking that of space. For the duration, lasting two posts for every 50 Essence of Dreams spent, Chika's attacks will leave behind their slashes in midair, painting this starry, moving pattern across the world around her. These suspended slashes hold a physical form, and could potentially be used both defensively and offensively if done with a creative mind. When these slashes come in contact with individuals that are not Chika, she'll gain 10 Essence of Dreams, stacking with her per-strike gains if done through an attack.

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{Level 3: Wishes Unnumbered}
Level Three of Yabureta Yume comes with a few different effects, granting a fairly plentiful number of boons between her Shikai and Bankai guises. As per usual, the amount of Essence of Dreams earned from landing a strike is increased by 10, totaling to 40 Essence of Dreams per hit.

Activation of Chika's Level Three allows her to call upon the dreams of the masses, and manifest those wishes as a conglomerate of floating Wish Totems, giving the masses the opportunity to fight for their own dreams. These Wish Totems appear as starry manifestations, with twinkling lights similar to that of outer space; much like Yabureta Yume's Level Six. Creating a Wish Totem costs four Fragments of Heaven, and up to three Wish Totems can exist at any given time. These Wish Totems have a durability equal to double Chika's Spiritual Pressure, and a Class equal to Chika's highest active Bakkōtō Class for clashing. These Wish Totems last until they're destroyed. Once every three posts, starting three posts after they're created, a Wish Totem will fire a burst of energy toward one target, flying at 800 Speed and striking with Chika's Spiritual Pressure.

While seemingly underwhelming, these Wish Totems serve an additional, much stronger purpose. By expending 600 Reiatsu or Life Force and any amount of Essence of Dreams (in intervals of 200), Chika can call down a burst of sparkling, searing light five feet in diameter to strike a target, raining from the sky (or ceiling) at 1,600 speed. For every Wish Totem sacrificed alongside the activation of this strike, it will cost Chika 200 less Reiatsu or Life Force. Every 200 Essence of Dreams spent for the activation of this searing light will cause another explosive force of light to rain down from the sky at the same speed and power backing it, further supporting the drive of the masses to clear through any obstacle needed for securing a better future.

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{Shunpō}
Technique Name: Shunpō

Technique Class: 7 - 10 TTP.

Technique Type: Hōhō.

Technique Element: N/A.

Technique Cost: 50 Reiatsu.

Description: A movement technique that allows the user to move faster than the eye can follow. The focal point that determines the basis of this technique is speed. As speed is the main point of the technique, the method is best characterized by how fast one can get from Point A to Point B in the least amount of steps. Training and skill are what determines how fast a user of Shunpō can move. Those of little skill in the technique or those who haven't used it for an extended amount of time would obviously be out of practice, causing those individuals to be considerably slower. This requires the use of more steps to move the same distance and become tired more easily in a shorter amount of time. A single step magnifies speed for that step by ten times. Shunpō uses fifty Reiatsu per step. This one is automatically learned in the academy. All Shinigami know this when created. This technique does not take up a technique slot.

How to Use: Focus of Reishi around the feet area and launch off into a single blurring step. It is not unlike teleportation in appearance, but it is simply extremely fast movement. It is often used to gain an edge in a single moment of combat or to dodge incoming attacks.

Incantation: N/A.

Drawbacks: Reiatsu Cost.

[Tala Selao]

So perhaps thinking he could get the jump on the Captain was a very foolish thought and it was one that'd nearly ended up in him restricting his own partner's arms. He was thankful that Chika had managed to discover a way to recover from the unexpected position they'd found themselves in and allowed him to bounce back and recollect himself.

Yet in the midst of his thoughts, it seemed the Captain wasn't done as she'd boldly bleed her spiritual energy out and began to recite an incantation he wasn't familiar with. However it seemed his partner understood what the Captain was intending to do as she shouted for him to take cover, to which he obliged once he'd heard the name of the Hado that the Captain had casted. He'd braced himself against the inky black platform with his eyes shut tight for a moment as he waited for the impact.

However he didn't get the feeling of the warmth or heat of the Sōkatsui, but instead the laughter of the Captain as her "Hado" had gone off without any effect. Tala couldn't help but feel a bit hurt and insulted at the trick she'd played on them as well as the fact that it also felt that now she was just toying with them and not even really trying to push them in any sort of way. At least if this were Captain Tsuyoshi, he'd be barking at you on what you could do better or something of the like. Yet with Celes, he simply felt like nothing more than a toy for her amusement.

It seemed that this had also upset his partner as well although he wasn't able to say anything or get a word of planning to her as she took off after the Captain once more. Tala held back a groan as they were sure to get nowhere with these kinds of tactics and one of them would simply ended up exhausted before the other if they weren't careful. Yet he wasn't sure what they could do to try and take the bells from the Captain.

So he figures he might as well use the minor distraction that Chika was sure to be to focus on the heat around him. This focus brings him to the heat residing within Hāsu's blades and as he feels it flickering and wavering he begins to pour his own massive spiritual strength it and amplifying it with the heat in the surrounding area. He takes in a breath as he steps past Chika's barrier if it was still there that is and swings his blade, launching a wave of heat towards wherever Celes was currently.

With the wave of heat only traveling at a speed of 300, it of course wouldn't reach her however it wasn't the only one that she needed to dodge as he then fires two more to keep her on her toes and hopefully giving Chika an opening. The unfortunate part about Tala using this ability however was that if any flammable objects were struck by this wave of heat and survived the mini explosion it caused, it'd instantly start a fire.

However as soon as these fires started up, they'd instantly leap up and soar through the air towards the blades of Tala's staff, where they'd coalesce and wrap around as they continued to blaze and light up one side of Tala's face, his stern expression now only made more so with the image of his fiery staff in hand.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu Pool - 5,475/6,000}-300 x3 Hearth's Warmth

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{Hearth's Warmth}By controlling and combining the heat that Hestia gives off with his own Reiatsu, Tala is able to launch a wave of intense heat towards his target when he swings his zanpakuto. It travels at a speed of 300 and all flammable objects will be set aflame. Once it hits it's target, it will feel like a small explosive has gone off and leave second degree burns.

Drawbacks: Cost 100 reiatsu to use. This technique can also be noticed quite easily as it does appear as a heat vapor. As long as someone has a 50 in Instinct or Energy Sensory, they will be able to notice it. The burns can also be pushed through with Heat Tolerance 2.

[Celes Castellanos]

Amidst her laughing fit, Celes couldn't choke up a single word to describe their reaction. She was truly ecstatic. Those who intimately knew her were aware of her playful attitude. It did not come from a place of malice. Quite the opposite. To the Captain, battles were something to be enjoyed. Despite her lived experiences and insight, however, Celes did not realize the mark she left on the two Officers. Unlike her, they did not seem to find her playfulness amusing.

The air around them would be still. This shrine that Chika had made shrouded both of them from Captain's amber eyes. The girl couldn't help but hum softly. "Hmm. I wonder what plan they have in mind now. How do they plan to take these bells?" The Captain grinned for a moment. "I can't wait to see!" Over the course of her tenure as Captain, Celes had encountered all manner of combatants. Among them, however, there was one she had very little familiarity with. Stealth.

As Chika darted outward from behind the shrine, Celes wouldn't take note of her. She'd tap her foot a little impatiently. "Hmm. What's taking them so long..." Once Tala made his move, Celes readied herself. However... just as quickly as Celes became focused, she'd suddenly lose that concentration. Her ears perked up as she heard a familiar swoosh. Not only that, but she heard the soft ringing of bells. She was practically motionless. The only movements she made were the rise and fall of her chest. Suddenly, the realization hit her. "Clever girl..." 

This was the closest that Chika was to reaching the bells. If it were any lesser combatant, she might have been able to secure them right then and there. However, Celes was no ordinary fighter. Her instincts had been sharpened to a razors' edge. She roared at the top of her lungs. "It won't be that easy, Chika!" Erupting from her body was a surge of reiryoku. Accompanying the burst of spiritual energy, however, was a 1-meter gust of wind. If Chika had no way to steer clear of the sudden eruption or otherwise counteract its effects, Chika would likely feel a shockwave with the force of a 200 Strength shove. It was likely more than enough to send someone of lesser constitution flying backward. After all, she didn't wanna harm Chika. She simply wanted to get the girl off of her!

This maneuver was known as Shunpo Eichi. It was a powerful tool in the hands of any Shinigami who specialized in pure physical Strength. Much like a regular Shunpo, it allowed Celes to step at incredible speeds. Instead of moving, though, the Captain simply stayed in her current position. Unfortunately, Celes barely had any time to breathe before she felt the approaching heat. Despite their proximity, the heat wave was considerably slower. Using a speed of 600, Celes showed off her martial training once more!

Displaying impressive footwork, she'd deftly dodge to the left. If this didn't discourage Tala and the Officer sent another wave of flame at her, the Captain simply used that same agility to dodge once. However, it seemed that the Shinigami still had more left in him as he let out a third and final wave of flame. Celes' eyes narrowed and instead of dodging this time, she Captain finally drew her Zanpakutō. Sliding it from its sheath, she quickly went for an upward slash to split the wave of flame in two! 

As the blade touched the heat wave, beginning to slice it in half, Celes would be woefully unprepared for what came next. Not unlike a bomb, this last wave detonated right in her face! The Captain would be utterly consumed in the inferno as it torched her flesh. The tendrils of flame briefly licked her body, searing them aggressively. Not even her haori was safe from the blast. Celes was no amateur when it came to pain. As someone who honed her martial prowess to supernatural heights, she had built up quite the pain tolerance, but even she had to admit that this hurt like hell! She couldn't hold it back. "aaaaaAAAAAAHHH!!!"

Finally, the flames would clear. The detonation had left trails of flame on the ground. They crackled softly amidst the Captain's efforts to regain her breath. She didn't initially notice it, but the pain had through her to one knee. The trees behind Celes that had been subject to the fiery explosion also burned brightly, but then the flames dispersed. Almost as though being peeled from the bark, off the ground, even off of Celes' own flesh, the flames moved to Tala's spear only to coalesce there. 

Staring at him from her weakened position, the Captain couldn't help, but chuckle. She wasn't disappointed! Not in the slightest! If Chika and Tala didn't immediately commit to their next strategy, Celes addressed both of them. "Ha- Haha... Guess I deserved that one after my little Hadō stunt." She was slowly beginning to regain her composure, but there was the slightest hint of pain in her voice, nevertheless. "I've underestimated the two of you together. That was a mistake, however..." Biting her lip, the Captain rose to her feet and stared at Tala's stern expression. "...It's gonna take far more than that to put me down! This exercise if far from over!" Something in Celes' voice had changed. Not only that, but so did her stance. It was less relaxed. It seemed as though she was finally taking this seriously!

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{Celes' Reiatsu Pool}
Celes' Total Reiatsu: 1350/1500

Shunpo Eichi - 150

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{Shunpo Eichi}Technique Name: Shunpo Eichi

Class: 4

Technique Type: Kidō

Technique Element: None

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

How to use technique: Stated above.

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

Made by: [Admin]

[Chika Hirabayashi]

As Celes had prepared to step forward to cut the girl off, Chika knew full-well that she wasn't going to have it! Hearing the words come from her, and utilizing her own capabilities in order to keep her in place, Chika swiped behind her with her spear as that damned shockwave released from Celes. Catching herself on another platform of starlight, Chika waited for the blast to fully finish before she once again went back to her plans.

"Apologies, Captain Celes," she called out, launching herself from the platform she'd created, "but those bells are ours!" Lunging once more toward the Captain, Chika had not anticipated the fire coming toward both her and Celes. She should've paid more attention! Dodge-rolling out of the way as it happened, and colliding with the ground in the process, Chika watched as Celes almost effortlessly sidestepped everything that Tala had thrown her way.

If nothing else, she was quite skilled.

Though, it seemed that she'd sought to strike through the last attack made against her; something she seemed to regret almost immediately. As the flames licked against her body, and the Captain cried out, Chika did what she could to scramble to her feet. She wasn't going to stick around while those fires were spreading about if she could help it; such would've very likely been devastating to the girl! She practically shivered at the thought of dealing with something like that.

"Excellent shot, Tala!" she called out, taking up a guarded stance once more, "that was incredible!!" In truth, she'd meant it! It wasn't often that someone could injure a Captain like that; he should've been proud! Though, Celes' words set something off in the girl. It was far from over? She'd be the judge of that!!

"Is that so, Captain?" she called out, "Shatter the perceived future and bring about a brighter tomorrow! For everyone in this world wishing for brighter days, make those dreams a reality!" As she spoke what very much sounded like a release phrase, Chika's own reiatsu began to flare about rather wildly. She prepared herself for what was to come, as the raw spiritual energies began to burn the bindings on her right arm off almost immediately.

"Bankai; Jizoku-teki Ni Yabureta Yume!"

As she finished speaking, and her "Zanpakutō" began to light up, the weapon itself changed form back into that of a Katana; something simplistic, yet something certainly potent in the right hands. Pointing the blade back toward Celes, Chika gave her a smile. "If you're getting serious, then so am I! As the exalted bearer of the Starcursed Brand, I won't hold back any longer! We will get those bells!"

Stage 2: 1/3

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu Pool & Resources}
Chika's Pool: 3,250/4,050
-300 to release at Stage 2.

Essence of Dreams: 260/700
XXXX
Fragments of Heaven: 0/10
-2 from activating Edge of Oblivion.
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Current Oaths:
"I swear to you, Celes, that I'll grab that bell!"
"I swear to you, Tala, that we'll succeed on this assignment!!"

SPOILER: Click to show

{Abilities Used}

SPOILER: Click to show

{Level 2: Edge of Oblivion}
Yabureta Yume's Level Two serves as Chika's Bankai equivalent, and as such comes with another change in form, preceded by the following release callout; "Shatter the perceived future and bring about a brighter tomorrow! For everyone in this world wishing for brighter days, make those dreams a reality! Jizoku-teki Ni Yabureta Yume!" Upon activation of Level Two, Chika's Bakkōtō shifts back into a katana, though with a distinctly different appearance; the same starlight patterns etched across quite a number of her abilities is persistent with this weapon, painted across the entire shape, as though a fragment of space itself rests in the girl's hands. As with all stages, the amount of Essence of Dreams earned from landing a strike is increased by 10, totaling to 50 Essence of Dreams per hit.

Upon activation of Level Two, Chika is forced to immediately spend all of her Fragments of Heaven, setting her total back down to zero. Upon spending this, a rather simple, but all-around incredibly useful change occurs to Chika's resources; for every Fragment of Heaven expended, Chika's maximum Essence of Dreams is increased by 50. Additionally, every time Chika would gain any amount of Essence of Dreams beyond her maximum, she'll instead regenerate 10 Reiatsu or Life Force per Fragment of Heaven she originally expended; whichever is lower. If they're equal, she's able to choose. These changes last for as long as Chika maintains her Level Two or Level One stages, and this effect will not kick in again if Chika drops her Level Two; she'll be locked from using this aspect for the remainder of the thread, or after a long rest in longer-styled threads.

[Tala Selao]

Tala's wasn't surprised that the Captain had managed to dodge his attacks however when she had decided to cut the flame instead dodging it and the subsequent explosion that followed caused his sternness to drop as he was quickly swallowed in regret, guilt, and concern for the Captain as she had screamed out in pain. He had lowered his guard and even took a tentative step forward as the flames begin to leave her and wrap around his blades.

He looks over with even more regret at Chika as she commended him on his efforts and then to the Captain as regained her composure. Some of his concern for her slid away as he watched her get back to her feet but then concern for himself and CHika grew as he noticed the shift in her stance and attitude. He knew she was toying with them earlier and was easily making fools of them so if she started taking this seriously then they were in for a bit of trouble.

Chika's words indicated that she had also noticed the Captain's change in manner. Then she said those words. Bankai. Tala's eyes widened as he whipped his head in her direction, dumbfounded and astonished by the words she'd just uttered. How could someone of her position be able to utilize the power of Bankai? He was sure that obtaining Shikai in the amount of time that he had wasn't all uncommon but it was for certain to take a while to achieve Bankai. ANd on top of that, she had mentioned not being able to utilize Jinzen so how had she built up her relationship with her Zanpakutō enough that she could utilize Bankai?

The amount of questions he had were growing yet he knew he couldn't allow himself to be distracted right now. He'd have to set aside his curiosity for this later as he quickly turns his attention back to the Captain as he realizes how she is likely to react to this. In this split second of Chika releasing her Bankai, Tala knew he couldn't hold back now as he knows that the Captain is likely going to release her Shikai now in response to Chika and if she does, then it's likely over for him.

So he made his choice.

He quickly sends himself charging towards the Captain at full speed with a shunpo, aiming to swing his staff at her in a diagonally downward slice. He hoped that she wouldn't dodge since she was taking this seriously now and if she didn't dodge and instead aimed to block his blow, then she'd be in for quite the surprise. The moment their blades met, it'd be followed by the flaming explosion that she'd just experienced as Tala let's loose another wave of heat at point blank range.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu Pool - 5,325/6,000}-50 Shunpo
-100 Hearth's Warmth

[Celes Castellanos]

Celes meant every word that she had said. They had proved themselves capable enough to make her, a Captain, sweat at times. Most notable was Chika's ability to close the distance and almost get her hands on the bells that hung off her waist. On the other side, Tala had been able to deal a blow to her. The fire from his Zanpakutō was nothing to poke fun at. It stung like hell! With this in mind, Celes understood that she could treat them as worthy combatants. As such, she was going to use the power at her disposal to truly give them a challenge. No more games. 

However, her words seemed to rouse something within Chika. "Is that so, Captain?" Celes locked eyes with the Unseated Officer. No words needed to be exchanged. Her eyes alone spoke volumes of how serious she was. This all seemed to further rouse Chika to push herself. To show her quality. As such, the girl began to... chant? "Shatter the perceived future and bring about a brighter tomorrow..." The Captain raised an eyebrow, her mind racing. She'd hum ever so softly. "Hmm. Could it be? A second Shikai?" She was, admittedly, a bit perplexed yet intrigued. Kimiko wielded two Zanpakutō with two distinct Shikai. The girl had already shown herself to be an anomaly by utilizing a Shikai without being able to communicate with her Zanpakutō. Perhaps this was just another of her unique qualities?

"...make those dreams a reality!" Suddenly, Chika's reiatsu practically exploded outward. The Captain braced herself, sensing the coming storm. Whatever this was... it was powerful! She was excited to say the least! This excitement, however, turned into incredulity upon hearing Chika call out, "Bankai; Jizoku-teki Ni Yabureta Yume!" The Captain was visibly shaken. Her eyes widened. Without a second though, she exclaimed, "What the hell?! Unseated Officers can't use Bankai! Their Zanpakutō aren't developed enough! There's no way." 

Was this a bluff? It had to be! Perhaps for Celes' Hadō stunt earlier? Despite her attempts at explaining it away, Chika's Zanpakutō did begin to morph. The one lengthy naginata changed form into that of a blackened katana. Along its darkened edge, Celes could see a gleaming display of what appeared to be stars and galaxies. "If you're getting serious, then so am I! As the exalted bearer of the Starcursed Brand, I won't hold back any longer! We will get those bells!" Celes' eyes narrowed. She was skeptical, but Chika's reiatsu didn't lie. It was more intense. 

Suddenly, a familiar woosh made itself known in front of the Captain. She had been so focused on the Unseated Officer that she had nearly forgotten about Tala who suddenly appeared before the woman. She had already taken note of the shifting flames which coalesced along the edge of his blade. Her experience, just a few moments prior, indicated to her that touching these flames without some kind of protection would be a bad idea. Taking a deep breath, the Captain would once more show off her frightening speed. Moving faster than the eye could see, Celes left a hazy afterimage in her place. If Tala continued with his assault, he'd find this afterimage being sliced in half, distorting rapidly. 

This technique, known as Shukuchi-Ho, was designed to quickly close the distance between the user and an opponent. In fact, Celes would aimed to be right in the Officers' personal space. Locking eyes with him as she appeared right before him, the Captain would make her first true attack of the session. Looking to grab hold of Tala's arm with her own two hands, Celes would quickly turn, pivoting around her own axis, and try to toss Tala over her shoulder. If successful, Tala may have found himself slamming into the ground a few feet in front of Celes. Using only 300 Strength, Celes had a feeling that Tala could take it. He appeared well-conditioned at a glance. Nevertheless, it would almost certainly leave a little more than a bruise. 

One thing was for sure. This challenge was escalating. Tala had grown bolder and Chika had unleashed what she claimed to be a Bankai. The Captain's options seemed clear. Celes' allowed her reiatsu to surge from her form. She needed to unleash more of it, after all, she was dealing with a Bankai supposedly. If both Tala and Chika paid attention, they'd notice that Celes' Zanpakutō glowed a blazing red. After a few moments, both blades vanished from sight and the red glow overtook Celes, forming an aura. If they paid even closer attention, they would've noticed that Celes' didn't use a Kaigo. She simply released her Zanpakutō wordlessly, a benefit of her having attained Bankai!

This aura surrounding Celes grew until something stirred within. Without warning, something began to form. Starting at the base of her frame, a red bonelike ribcage began to surround the Captain. She was nowhere near done yet. The ribcage spread out, forming a larger base. From this base, more bones extended to make it appear akin to a torso. The sides began to bubble the body sprouted arms, roughly 15 ft in length. Atop this body, Celes molded and shaped what appeared to be a head. The bones, initially appearing hazy, began to solidify more. It still appeared ghostly, but much less so. With enough clarity and focus, Celes knew how to practically make it permanent without much attention from her. 

Having finally unveiled her Shikai, the two Officers would find themselves face-to-face with a skeletal behemoth, with Celes standing at its core. Needless to say, the Captain's Shikai was unlike most. She'd open her eyes, staring at her opponents. The bells jingled ever so softly, still remaining on her person. Without any motion from her, one of her Avatar's skeletal hands opened up and turned over. It was almost as though it was taking a martial stance. Its head stared at the pair ominously. Contrasting it was Celes' reiatsu which practically spilled from the Captain with excitement. "Well Chika. It seems that you are full of surprises. I don't know how you have developed a Bankai, but I am thrilled to see what it can do!" More than ever, the Captain was now prepared to truly do battle with the pair. Would they have what it takes to pierce the girls' defenses?

SPOILER: Click to show

{Celes' Reiatsu Pool & Resources}
Celes' Pool: 1050/1500
-300 for Class 3 Shikai

Strength of Spirit: 1
+10 from Shikai Overall
-2 for Palms of the Astral Soul
-2 for Visage of the Astral Soul
-5 for Ascendant Spirit Rank I

SPOILER: Click to show

{Astral Soul Durability}
Astral Soul Body: 1250
Astral Soul Right Arm: 1250
Astral Soul Left Arm: 1250
Astral Soul Head: 1250

SPOILER: Click to show

{Shukuchi-Ho}Technique Name: Shukuchi-Ho (Reduced Earth Steps)

Class: 3

Technique Type: Hakuda

Technique Element: None.

Description: The user makes use of his innate speed to move flawlessly. From a standing stance, or from any resting position, the first step that the user does becomes an illusion, moving quickly than the eye can see. This technique gives the user a short burst of speed to move and invade an opponent's personal space, and engage in hand to hand combat, or to weave in and out of an opponent's attack. This move triples normal speed for each step, and uses no reiatsu.

How to use: The user simply channels reiatsu around his feet instead of gathering spirit particles as what Shunpo or Sonido does.

Drawback(s): Shukuchi-Ho requires its user to have at least a base SPEED of 400 points, and is versed in Hakuda (meaning the character must be very knowledgeable in the shinigami art of hand-to-hand fighting). Also, the technique can only be used if the opponent is within 10 meters of the user. If the opponent is too far, the technique cannot be used. A maximum of 2 steps per post can only be done using Shukuchi-Ho, nothing more, nothing less. Note that Shukuchi-Ho is by no means superior to Shunpo or Sonido.

Made By: Kousaru Mugenryu

Reserved: [Captains and Zero Division Shinigami Only]

SPOILER: Click to show

{Shikai Overall - Astral Bastion}Astral Bastion harnesses Celes’ Qi and using herself as a conduit, focuses it to give it physical form. This results in an Astral Soul that protects Celes and grows over the course of combat. The Avatar forms at a speed equivalent to Celes' own. Upon utilizing Shikai, Celes receives 10 Strength of Spirit every post. Leftover Strength of Spirit from one post carries over to another post and there is no cap to the amount of the Strength of Spirit that Celes can accumulate. Additionally, Celes can generate Strength of Spirit out of her own reaitsu at a cost of 25 Reiatsu per Strength of Spirit. Strength of Spirit can be used in a number of ways.

Once a post, Celes can spend any amount of Strength of Spirit to restore 4% per Strength of Spirit in durability to her Astral Soul, restoring the durability to a part of Celes’ choice. Strength of Spirit spent on restoring durability can be divided among multiple parts of the Astral Soul. For example, if Celes spends 4 Strength of Spirit to repair, she can allocate 4 to one part of the Astral Soul or divide it up among multiple parts such as the arms or head. Strength of Spirit may also be spent to enhance the Astral Soul, making temporary additions that can become permanent by use of Ascendant Spirit.

The Astral Soul has durability equivalent to Celes’ OS. This durability increases by 1.5x Celes’ OS when Humanoid. The durability finally rises to 2x Celes’ OS while Armored. Each part of the Astral Soul which includes the Head, Body, and Arms has its own separate durability. No part of the Astral Soul may ever be more than one stage above the Body. Physical and Spiritual attacks can gradually deteriorate the Astral Soul. Upon clashing, the OS of the attack harms the durability. For example, if Celes has a durability of 1000 and the OS of the attack is 500, the remaining durability is 500. If the technique has a 2 Class Superiority, then it both harms the durability of the Astral Soul and pierces it, making Celes susceptible to its effects. In contrast, if the technique has a 2 Class Inferiority, then only deals 50% of its OS to the Astral Soul. If the Body of the Astral Soul were to fall to the durability of 0, the Astral Soul regresses to its previous stage. For example, Armored would regress to Humanoid.

Celes may allow others to enter her Astral Soul freely. Doing so incurs no harm to the ally. Opponents may also force their way into Celes’ Astral Soul as long the durability of the Astral Soul's body has fallen below 25%. This includes techniques that would target Celes directly, requiring opponents to wear down her defenses first. Opponents of a higher class than Celes can always force their way into the Astral Soul or target Celes through her Astral Soul no matter the durability. If the durability is repaired above 25%, any hostile currently within the Astral Soul is forcibly shunted out.

Using this Avatar comes with a primary weakness. The Avatar is a representation of Celes’ life energy; given focus and shaped into a physical form by her. This is extremely taxing and will inevitably result in extreme pain if maintained for an extended duration. Celes can utilize the first instance of Shikai with little risk, suffering no pain from using the Avatar. Once Celes refreshes her Shikai, the pain escalates. Every post thereafter, Celes suffers consistent pain which worsens every four posts. The first instance of pain requires a Pain Tolerance of 1 to withstand. This Pain Tolerance requirement grows every four posts to a maximum of 3. Meeting the Pain Tolerance requirement allows Celes to continue fighting through prolonged exposure threatens to debilitate her if she has sustained wounds. If Celes should ever not meet the Pain Tolerance requirement, she will be writhing in so much pain that her Shikai or Bankai loses its focus and dissipates, effectively ending her release.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Palms of the Astral Soul}
For 1 Strength of Spirit Celes can summon one arm, up to a maximum of four. These arms have a reach of 15 ft and have a Strength equal to Celes’ own strength. Each arm must be maintained via the upkeep of # Strength of Spirit until it is made permanent. The upkeep cost of the arms increases with each stage.

Skeletal: 1
Humanoid: 2
Armored: 3
Complete: 4

SPOILER: Click to show

{Visage of the Astral Soul}
For 2 Strength of Spirit Celes can summon the head of her Astral Soul. This head, while active, heightens Celes’ visual acuity by allowing her to see through the eyes of the Astral Soul. This allows her to treat her Speed as 25% higher for the purposes of perceiving high-speed movement. This bonus increases to 50% upon using the Complete Astral Soul. Additionally, for each stage that the Head has reached beginning at Skeletal, Celes gains 1 point in Charisma for the purposes of intimidation as it provides a menacing appearance up to a max of 3. The upkeep cost of the Head increases with each stage.

Skeletal: 2
Humanoid: 4
Armored: 6
Complete: 8

SPOILER: Click to show

{Arms of the Astral Soul}
For 1 Strength of Spirit, Celes can summon weapons wielded by the Astral Soul. These weapons are a longsword or a shield. The longsword is 25 ft in length and the shield has a diameter of 12 ft. A weapon can be summoned upon manifesting of an arm or while the Astral Soul has one free hand. All three weapons both have an OS and durability equivalent to Celes’ Strength; Bankai increases the durability to 2x Celes' OS. While these weapons are constructs, they retain the benefits of their metal counterparts, I.E blades can still carry vibrations. These weapons can be destroyed by a 2x OS superiority to durability. Once broken, Celes may spend 1 Strength of Spirit once more to resummon these weapons. As long as the weapons are not broken, Celes may dissipate the weapon from the Astral Soul’s hands. When doing so, Celes summons her own copy of the weapon in her hand that acts as her release weapon. She may transfer her copy of the weapon to the Astral Soul at will as long as it is not broken. The weapons do not have an upkeep cost.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Ascendant Spirit - Rank I}
Technique Name: Ascendant Spirit

Description: Ascendant Spirit acts as a way for Celes to permanently upgrade her Astral Soul. By spending varying amounts of Strength of Spirit, Celes can permanently grant herself the superior stages of the Astral Soul. Once a stage has been unlocked permanently, Celes does not need to spend Strength of Spirit to maintain enhancements of that stage anymore. These permanent enhancements, if destroyed, allow Celes to spend Strength of Spirit equivalent to 1.5x their upkeep cost, rounded down, to restore the enhancement. When restored, the enhancement returns to the current unlocked stage of Ascendant Spirit. If the Astral Soul were to regress to a previous stage, Celes can spend Strength of Spirit equal to the most recently unlocked Stage to immediately upgrade back to it. For example, if Astral Soul reverts to Skeletal, she can spend # Strength of Spirit to enhance the Astral Soul to Humanoid once more. Activating Bankai immediately sets Ascendant Spirit to Rank IV. In Bankai, the Astral Soul can be restored to the Complete stage. Upgrading Ascendant Spirit lasts until the end of a regular thread such as a PVP/JT. In longer threads such as adventures, Ascendant Spirit resets on a "long rest". The requirements for upgrading or restoring Stages are:

Skeletal: 5 (Rank I)
Humanoid: 9 (Rank II)
Armored: 13 (Rank III)
Complete: 20 (Rank IV)

Drawbacks: Ascendant Spirit is a powerful way for Celes to retain certain benefits, but it does have several weaknesses. For another rank of Ascendant Spirit to be purchased, Celes must have at least maintained the next stage of enhancements at some point. For example, if Celes is currently using the Skeletal Astral Form, she must first purchase and maintain Humanoid Arms and Head to upgrade to rank II (Humanoid) of Ascendant Spirit. While each enhancement can be maintained individually, all enhancements must have been maintained at the next stage at least once. The only exception is Palms of the Astral Soul, which only require a minimum of two arms to be maintained to fulfill the requirement. Additionally, after upgrading Ascendant Spirit, the technique goes on cooldown for two posts before being able to upgrade again. If an enhancement is destroyed, Celes must wait 1 post before being able to restore that enhancement.

Shikai: 1/9

[Tala Selao]

Tala's blade slices cleanly through the afterimage, the small explosion leaving a decent sized burn mark on the ground. He didn't even have time to be shocked at slicing an afterimage in half before he found his wrist being gripped and suddenly lifted into the air only to be slammed down into the ground like a very worn out training dummy. The wind was knocked out of him, made apparent by the air forcibly exiting his lungs causing him to gasp loudly as he laid there for a moment just trying to recuperate enough to breath again.

Of course, he didn't have that time as he felt the intense spiritual pressure coming from Celes which could only mean that she had unleashed her Shikai. As he quickly stumbled onto his feet, missing most of the rather awe and fear inspiring formation of her Shikai and instead seeing the end result of the skeletal aura surrounding her, he took in a deep breathe before he shook his head whilst giving a glance at Chika. Why'd she have to release her Bankai?

He returns his attention back to the Captain and just let's out a loud sigh as he takes a few steps back away from her to put space between them and clears his throat to get her attention, "Well...this wasn't exactly what I imagined I'd be doing today but it's an honor to know that you're taking this seriously, Captain." He gives her a quick nod of respect and assumes a defensive stance once more. At this point he knew he'd have to rely on counter-attacks as well as waiting to see how her Shikai worked. He just hoped she didn't jump at him first and actually went for the bigger threat first. Then again, he had been the only one of the two to actually hit her, even if she had allowed it. Unfortunately, that was the only freebie he'd be getting and now he's going to have to actually put his skills to work.

[Camila Adaronde]

152 paragraphs means 760 TP for Celes and Tala~!