Post by Deleted on Feb 8, 2023 21:23:16 GMT -5
-Opening-
Discord/Chatango Username (include nicknames): Io
Password 1: Kitai's Debt
Password 2: Sanctus Teamwork
Type: Soldier Version 2
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-Basic Information-
Name: Caballero (nickname, any character is free to name it whatever!)
Age of Death: 10 as a human, 12 as a reborn soul in Rukongai
Real Age/Age of Appearance: Unknown
Birthday (Month/Day): 08/05
Blood Type: O-
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-Appearance-
Height/Weight:
Depends on evolution stage:
- Hollow: 3'0'' | 31 lbs
- Menos Grande: ??
Physical Description:
{Hollow}
As a normal Hollow, Caballero cannot be called anything other than cute. Standing at a whopping three feet, this little Hollow is many things, but imposing is definitely not one of them: it almost looks like a chibi drawing, which has the unfortunate side effect of making it adorable, which is not good news for a Hollow. It has a big white helmet-like mask with two huge circular openings filled with a blackness that seems to be its eyes, and two small horns that curve up protruding from each side of the head. The rest of its body is entirely black in color, which might cause someone to mistake it for a Parvulo Tutor... if it wasn't for the fact that its spiritual pressure is not even a molecule compared to vast ocean of those godly Hollows. Thus, any resemblance is quick to be dismissed. Caballero has short, stubby limbs that somehow still allow him to grab things and stand on his own. These can bend at elbow and knee-like joints, not unlike a human, although they look completely straight. Caballero's reduced size has allowed it to stay alive for longer, since it can hide better and can take small crevices and holes that other Hollows cannot access as cover.
As far as clothing goes, Caballero is a special case, since most Hollows do not bother with such frivolities. This little one seeks to emulate the Shinigami, both as its misguided dream and as an unintentional form of intimidation, so it tends to carry a "small" weapon around (small for others, but almost half its own height). It even wears around some rags it found in the human world as if they were its own little Shihakusho!
As a Menos Grande, the appearance is the usual: a mass of Hollows joined together into a towering being that dwarfs almost any other, with a mask with a very long and pointy nose, and covered in what looks like a cloak. However, during its later stages as one, Caballero's mask will begin to resemble its old self as it slowly but surely asserts dominance and wrests control of its body back. Thus, you get a Gillian with a head covered by a white helmet with little horns and the big, black circles it had for eyes. This gives it a rather shocking appearance, as the towering monster suddenly has the cute helmet-like mask of Caballero; those who met it before will have it very easy to guess at its identity. At this stage, old glimpses of its personality slowly return, with the Gillian revealing its hand to grab a new "weapon" (a tree or similar) and challenge other Gillian around, which only adds to the bizarre picture.
As far as clothing goes, Caballero is a special case, since most Hollows do not bother with such frivolities. This little one seeks to emulate the Shinigami, both as its misguided dream and as an unintentional form of intimidation, so it tends to carry a "small" weapon around (small for others, but almost half its own height). It even wears around some rags it found in the human world as if they were its own little Shihakusho!
{Menos Grande}
As a Menos Grande, the appearance is the usual: a mass of Hollows joined together into a towering being that dwarfs almost any other, with a mask with a very long and pointy nose, and covered in what looks like a cloak. However, during its later stages as one, Caballero's mask will begin to resemble its old self as it slowly but surely asserts dominance and wrests control of its body back. Thus, you get a Gillian with a head covered by a white helmet with little horns and the big, black circles it had for eyes. This gives it a rather shocking appearance, as the towering monster suddenly has the cute helmet-like mask of Caballero; those who met it before will have it very easy to guess at its identity. At this stage, old glimpses of its personality slowly return, with the Gillian revealing its hand to grab a new "weapon" (a tree or similar) and challenge other Gillian around, which only adds to the bizarre picture.
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-Personality-
As a training tier character, expect this to change as Caballero goes through its evolutionary stages. During Menos Grande stage, all these are greatly diminished until its soul starts to assert control over the others.
Dislikes:
- Other Hollows: since it strives to become a Shinigami, Caballero rarely likes other Hollows, and would much rather fight them all. Some Shinigami may report seeing a strange little Hollow trying to fighting off much bigger, scarier monsters than itself; that's Caballero for sure!
- Cowardice: Caballero seems to value bravery, as it will negatively react upon seeing people trying to run away from dangerous situations (not from him, since everyone is free to decline its challenges, though it will take offense if someone runs away and leaves their battle unresolved. Just make sure it understands you're forfeiting!).
- Rain: Caballero does not like getting wet, and while it can avoid bodies of water, there's little to be done against rain. Furthermore, it can cause a lot of wear and tear on the little rag it wears as its own Shihakusho! Snow does not count that much, as it will curiously try to figure out what it is and how it works.
- Ranged fighters: since it puts a lot of emphasis on 'swordsmanship' (or what it understands it to be), Caballero dislikes those who'd rather fight at a distance, although it'll still bow to them after a challenge if it deems them proper, although begrudgingly.
- Enclosed spaces: it does not instantly affect it, but keeping Caballero in the same space for too long is sure to make it aggressive and cranky, as it'd rather be off exploring in search of new sights and challenges. Instead, what is it doing in a closed area? Sit around and wait? Sorry, but no.
- Loud noises: Caballero can't speak, so it is used to spending most of its time in silence. As such, loud noises such as screams or explosions can startle the little Hollow, even to the point of making it aggressive if they persist for a long time. If the source is someone he has positively interacted with before, it may begin to wave its little, stubby arms to get them to stop.
Likes:
- Company: uncharacteristically for a Hollow, it seems Caballero enjoys having some company beyond the feeling of protection stemming from having an alliance. Unless very, very hungry, something supresses its natural instinct to hunt and allows it to mingle better with others. It seems particularly drawn to lonely people, and will sit down next to them instead of challenging them.
- Soft music: one of the best ways to lure it towards you. Caballero enjoys slow, soft and relaxing tunes, with a preference toward wind instruments. If you play one, you may be surprised by a little Hollow suddenly walking up toward you, its little helmet bobbing to the music.
- Fighting: as expected from a being that goes around challenging others, Caballero enjoys a good fight. A key difference with other Hollows, however, is that it enjoys fighting for sport, not just to hunt, and displays an honor that's rarely seen among his kin.
- Dark places: Caballero prefers darker places, probably because it's used to Hueco Mundo. This is why its easier to find him wandering around after the sun sets.
- Exploring: as an offshoot of its naturally curious disposition, Caballero enjoys going around new places, even though its mind can't really process the full scope of the information just yet. This is what keeps him wandering around the human world, since Hueco Mundo landscapes are nearly all the same.
- Hugs: what is that warm, fuzzy feeling spreading inside Caballero's cold Hollow body when someone holds it tight? It does not know, but it likes it, perhaps because it used to be a child by the time of its turning into a Hollow. Caballero enjoys being held by others, and will rarely complain about it... until it wants to get back to drilling its techniques or exploring around.
Flaws:
- Friendly: not a flaw for many people, but definitely for a Hollow. Caballero has somehow retained a friendliness not unlike a child's, and while this makes him like people, it makes him an easy target for other Hollows, since its not in its instincts to make the first move. Kind of a bad handicap for hunting monsters that cannibalize one another.
- Timid: while friendly, Caballero can get scared with ease if yelled at. This is particularly startling, considering he likes to go around challenging people to fights (see Habits for more information). Will more often than not lead to his clutching the leg habit if someone else is available.
- Young mind: Caballero's mind seems to have trouble undersanding more abstract concepts and guides itself mostly through instincts and the innocent approach of a child. Trying to teach it things like planned strategy or attempting to discuss philosophy with it will only lead to a confused, dog-like tilt of the head. On another note, it makes him very unknowledgeable about the state of the world, the existence of beings such as Quincy, etcetera.
- Stubborn: Caballero is no quitter, but that unfortunately means he can pester others a little too much, as it'll insist on keeping up its antics. You can't keep him from going around issuing its little challenges, you can't keep him from separating to check out the area, you can't convince it that the idea of a Hollow becoming a Shinigami is asinine at best. The one thing it will not insist is in you accepting its challenges; it'll issue another the next time it sees you.
- Diminished hunger: again, it may not seem like a flaw for a person, but it is a glaring one for a Hollow. Caballero does not feel hunger as strongly as the rest of its kin does, although it still deals with it daily, of course. Thus, the little Hollow feeds less frequently, which translates into it growing slower than its peers (hence the start as a TT character).
Habits:
- Challenge!: Caballero has a deeply ingrained habit of walking up to someone or something and, upon closer inspection, swing his little weapon to the side as if to challenge them to a battle. It will not initiate combat unless the other part displays any sort of agreement, holding his little posture all the while. Rejecting the challenge will leave him a little confused, but it may follow you around for a while like a curious puppy.
- Written expression: Since Caballero has no mouth from which to speak, it will instead use its little pointy weapon to write messages in the sand of Hueco Mundo, or any other suitable surface. These messages not always make sense, and are at times random drawings that have nothing to do with the situation.
- Technique drilling: Caballero can be seen practicing its "swordplay" with the little weapon it carries around. Note that at first, its form isn't really anything special, but anything you want to teach it will be quickly absorbed, as if it was a sponge (flavor only, techniques still follow training norms). If you see it again, you may catch a glimpse of the move you taught it last time.
- Bowing: if it deems you a proper opponent after you respond to its challenge, or if you're a Shinigami, Caballero has a habit of deeply bowing to you as if to show its respect.
- Defend the innocent!: Caballero has a habit of trying to play the hero if it sees anyone being bullied or hunted down. Unfortunately, this more often than not ends up putting it in harms way, since he may jump into the fray of a situation that may very well surpass him.
- Clutching the leg: if you scold or yell at Caballero, it will try to hide behind the nearest person's leg, not unlike a child would. This does not apply if you accepted its challenge; battle cries are to be expected in a fight, aren't they?
Fears:
- Losing its mind: Caballero is self-aware enough to know that it does not want to become a mindless Gillian, even if it is bound to happen at some point or another of its evolution. The closer it gets to it, the more an indescriptible fear burns inside it. This gets especially accented if its made connections it'd rather not lose. Part of it also seems aware of its better nature, and does not want to lose that either.
- Very strong opponents: like (Vice) Captains or the higher tiers of the Menos hierarchy. Caballero is a Hollow, it instinctively knows when it's outclassed, and even if its stubbornness will drive him to fight strong foes without hesitation, everything has a limit. This may still not stop it from issuing a challenge, although the opponent will clearly see how the little creature is quaking in its non-existent boots.
- Vizard and Arrancar: is it a Shinigami? Is it a Hollow? Their conflicting existences greatly confuses Caballero, who can't understand if either are the monsters itdislikes or the Soul Reapers it seeks to emulate. It is unknown to him, a foreign existence that makes it afraid.
- Hunger: Caballero does not understand it either, where is it coming from? Why can't it be fully satiated? Although naturally more resistant to it than other Hollows, it can't completely win against its own nature: limits do eventually break, so the Hollow may end up doing something it does not want to do if it does not periodically eat. Given his like of company and distaste of Hollows, Caballero would rather eat Hollows or scavenge for those who have already met a terrible fate.
Goals:
- Become a Shinigami: ironic, isn't it? The main thing that's going to keep this little Hollow's will over all others as he progresses as a Menos is its singular drive to emulate the Shinigami it so admired back when it was a soul living in Rukongai.
- Learn to communicate better: even though Caballero can't really speak, it constantly displays a more rational capability than other Hollows. Learning how to speak is one of its main goals, as it will bring him one step closer to his other ones. If it gains appreciation towards someone, it would also like to be able to talk with them, one way or another.
- Become a master swordsman: goes hand in hand with its dream of becoming a Shinigami. Note that not all Shinigami are sword experts; some use other weapons, some specialize in Kido... This is also why it keeps practicing and practicing even without an opponent, since each drill brings it closer to the goal.
Alignment: Neutral Good
Overall Personality:
If you wandered around Hueco Mundo or the Human World at night, you might come across a cute little Hollow that behaves nothing like the rest of its kind. It may be resting, it may be waving a strange weapon around, as if focused on its training. Once it spots you, it does not attempt to eat you; instead, it comes closer and draws its 'weapon', but it does not attack; it's almost as if it is formally extending you a challenge. If this is the case, then you've probably found Caballero.
Caballero is a strange Hollow, an complete deviation from the norm that governs the rest of its kind. Due to its origin, the puncturing hunger all Hollows experience is barely an afterthought for Caballero, which allows it to live its existence in a radically different way to its peers. This Hollow does not continuously move in search of new prey; instead, it is driven by its own curiosity and desire to see the world and seek worthy opponents. You may notice that it even wears 'clothes', if one can call the rags it drapes its tiny body in such, and carries a 'weapon' (like a stick, a quartz branch splintered from a tree in Hueco Mundo...) that it found while wandering around (this is for flavor, any weapons with an actual effect will follow regulations). The reason behind it is its attempt to emulate the Shinigami it admired during its past existence: the cloak and weapon are nothing than paltry imitations of a Shikahusho and Zanpakuto. However, don't mock this desire as childish nonsense; it runs so deep that Caballero prefers to hunt down his kin than Pluses, and will actively put itself in harms way to protect those who can't fight from becoming prey for Hollow-kind. Given its limited power, this more often than not results in him taking a potentially deadly risk, but it does not care. Unless incapacitated, it will not stand down willingly, at least not at this stage of evolution.
Speaking of weapons, Caballero has developed the weird habit of challenging almost everything it comes across, provided it catches its interest in at least some way. The little Hollow walks up to the desired opponent, and after scanning them (usually involving it looking up at you) it swings its 'weapon' on the side. Caballero will never attack without the opponent accepting its invitation. If its hunger is out of control, it won't issue a challenge in the first place. Should the outcome of the battle is positive in its favor, it is rare that it will attempt to eat the vanquished either. Provided it deems the opponent worthy (the criteria it follows may not be as arbitrary as it may seem at a first glance), it may even bow to them, in a display of honor and respect that's certainly unexpected from a Hollow. Given its aspirations, it will bow to Shinigami right after meeting them. Know that refusing the challenge does not raise the Hollow's ire. Instead, it will seem to understand, and may linger and follow you around like a curious puppy, as if wondering why you rejected it. The little Hollow enjoys company if not on an aggressive state, and it may even attempt to somehow communicate with you... because it cannot speak.
Caballero is completely mute; it makes no sounds, no grunts, nothing. You cannot even hear its breathing, although you can notice its little body puffing slightly if you hold it on your arms. In fact, since it can't really introduce itself, the name Caballero is more of a nickname that has stuck from those who've encountered it before. At any rate, its perpetual silence may be the reason why screaming can startle it, to the point that it may hide behind someone else's legs, clutching at them all the while during a non-combat encounter. In the event the Hollow wants to say something to you, it will look for a surface on which to draw or write messages that may be rather difficult to understand at times. Its lack of speaking ability makes it good at listening; although it will usually go around toward the next thing that piques its interest, if it feels the other part is in turmoil, it will stay with them until they at least feel a little better. Note that while it may get the general grasp of it, its young mind does not allow the creature to understand more complicated concepts.
Even if it can't speak, it doesn't mean Caballero does not feel things. It can be joyful, angry, sad, vindictive, playful... just like anyone else. In fact, you can easily tell when its depressed because it will not be moving around or practicing, but sitting alone, its little head down, big empty eyes fixed onto the ground. As such, it's actually possible to become friends with the creature! Positive interactions with Caballero are a quick and easy way to make it friendly toward you. Helping it fight a foe outside of a formal challenge, offering shelter from the rain, or fixing its treasured 'Shihakusho' are some examples. Caballero is specially eager to learn, and absorbs things like a sponge. If you teach it a move, it will immediately improve its disposition toward you, and you may spot it drilling it the next time you come across the little Hollow. If you teach it a word or a meaning, it will actively use it to communicate with you, as if it associated you with it.
Conversely, it is also possible to make an enemy out of it. A very simple way of doing this is actively hurting someone that it considers a friend. Still, one must not forget that Caballero is a Hollow: you may never tell how it will react when angry, or if its hunger causes its most basic instincts to overpower its personality. Even then, taking things with at least some caution should be enough to keep yourself out of danger.
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-Powers-
Fighting Style:
As a Training Tier character, its fighting style will slowly adapt as Caballero goes through its different evolutionary stages. This will comprise the two earliest stages.
As a stray, individual Hollow, Caballero will make active use of its little size and Ulcer to make the opponent have a very difficult time hitting it. Its reduced size seemingly translates to reduced body strength, so it is imperative for it to be on the run, taking advantage of any exploitable opening to eliminate the threat. Enemies tend to consider the little creature incredibly annoying, as it is not unlike dealing with a small pest that just does not know when to call it quits. Furthermore, this pest can and will capitalize on the foe's frustration to create even more openings.
Since the ragged cloak actually conceals most of its body, which is much thinner than appears at first glance, strikes may go just through the cloth without hitting the Hollow if its lucky enough--which will only anger Caballero and prompt it to fight harder. How dare you mess with its 'Shihakusho'! For this stage, it does not emphasize heavy hits, but rather smaller ones that continue to add up until the enemy can't fight anymore. Its nimbleness is what enables this style.
Despite its difficulties following abstract thought, Caballero is an intelligent fighter, learning and adapting from the enemy to find the necessary openings it needs to win. It leans more toward guerrilla tactics. If it's life or death, everything is allowed, specially to defend the innocent. It will also make use of Bala to strike from a distance, or use the recoil from firing it to move its tiny body out of harms way. Given the horns of its mask are rather blunt and round, they're not suited for offensive action. Something that may not play in Caballero's favor is that it will try to use its current 'Zanpakuto' to win the battle. If this is a proper weapon, it's all good, but without one it will be picking up something like a stick, which doesn't do much in allowing him to harm a foe. Instead, it would be better for it to rely on its techniques, but it has too much of a desire to become a Shinigami to begin with those.
During a challenge, Caballero shifts its battle style, upholding honor above all else. It will not taunt the foe it has challenged, resort to a numbers' advantage, or take any action that might be considered cowardly, such as going for the eyes or something similar to that effect. Running away is also not an option; it's up until one of the two parts forfeit, a consensus is reached, or one of them can no longer continue. It's worth to note that, since it seeks a good, clean match, it will not seek to outright incapacitate the opponent. Furthermore, it will not use lethal force, instead knocking the target unconscious at worst.
As a Gillian, it fights pretty much as others would while on its mindless state, by using its gigantic body and firing off Cero at anything that moves. However, the moment Caballero's personality starts to resurface, it will notably begin to use its hands again, grabbing something as a weapon just as it did in its previous evolutionary stage, challenging others, even bowing at the end of a duel. Its usage of Cero and Bala becomes more discriminating, and Caballero will use Negación to protect those who became friends with it in its past stage (or in the current one, although the gigantic Gillian is far more intimidating than its past stage, not to mention a prime target for Soul Society, hence why it's hard for it to make friends as one). Once its personality is partly restored and the mask returns to its old shape, Caballero will not be able to roar or bite like the other Gillian, and will return to its past silence. This can immediately tip off opponents that something is not quite right with it.
Other than that, there is not much room for individuality at this level; that will come later as an Adjuchas and a Vasto Lorde.
Overall Ability:
Since it's still a Hollow still in its infancy. As such, most of its powers remain undiscovered for the little creature. However, Caballero will soon discover that its ability revolves around coalescing its incredibly dense, black and white colored Reiatsu.
Caballero's black body is entirely made out of this Reiatsu, and as such its shape can be altered for various offensive, defensive or utility purposes: gaining defensive prowess rivaling Hierro, changing ones' limbs into writhing tendrils to grab things, or even combining it with step techniques to phase through the rival while damaging them through condensed spiritual pressure. It can even be reformed to heal injuries at a Reiatsu cost (this ability depends on Healing Expertise), and could be a possible precursor to a future High Speed Regeneration, narratively speaking.
The second application revolves around focusing and firing off this Reiatsu through different techniques. Just by virtue of focusing alone, Caballero is able to drag the enemy into damaging blasts around itself that result from the sudden, massive increase in Reiatsu density and concentration. This focusing prevents any other offensive action to occur in the post, and must be done before using any technique named "Focus"; in exchange, these techniques are considered to be 50% stronger. Up to three "Focus" techniques can be used before it needs to focus again. Cero and Bala can also be enhanced, but any of their variations cannot.
This ability with three drawbacks: first, it is imperative for Caballero to spend SkP in Strength of Will to maintain it body shape, lest the Reiatsu overpower its own will. At least 1 point is required before advancing to Gillian, 2 before Adjuchas, and 3 before Vasto Lorde. Second, upon reaching 0 Reiatsu, Caballero's body vanishes, leaving only its mask intact, from which it will regenerate later; it can't move or act until it gets at least some Reiatsu back. Third, allies can easily get caught by the explosions that result from focusing, so it needs to be cautious about using its most powerful techniques during team fights.
Techniques:
{Tendon}Tendón (Tendon)
Technique Class: Class 8-1
Technique Type: Hollow [Custom]
Technique Cost: 50 per Class above 7 (0 at Class 8, 350 at 1)
Description: The most basic application of Caballero's Reiatsu body, and the first technique that Caballero ever learned. Tendón manipulates the shape of any of Caballero's limbs, changing it to a set of tendrils that can reach far away from the tiny Hollow. At class 8, this technique is mostly used for moving around by grappling onto different spots: branches, ledges, crevices, so on and so forth. It can also grab things, but has no real restraining power (it's used for utility and for cinematic/narrative purposes).
At Class 7 and above, this becomes an actual offensive technique: the lower classes (7-4) will see blunt tendrils with which Caballero can slap people around, while at classes 3-1, the tendrils will become incredibly sharp and tough, being able to stab and slash at a distance. Tendón can be used to restrain a foe at any class above 8, and may deal crushing damage in this case.
Tendon has a range of up to 15 feet at class 8, and each class upgrade sees an increase of 5 extra feet. Maximum is 50 feet at Class 1 (roughly 15 meters).
Drawbacks: Caballero uses its actual body for this technique, so it is possible to damage him directly by winning an OS clash against Tendón.
Other Techniques:Technique Class: Class 8-1
Technique Type: Hollow [Custom]
Technique Cost: 50 per Class above 7 (0 at Class 8, 350 at 1)
Description: The most basic application of Caballero's Reiatsu body, and the first technique that Caballero ever learned. Tendón manipulates the shape of any of Caballero's limbs, changing it to a set of tendrils that can reach far away from the tiny Hollow. At class 8, this technique is mostly used for moving around by grappling onto different spots: branches, ledges, crevices, so on and so forth. It can also grab things, but has no real restraining power (it's used for utility and for cinematic/narrative purposes).
At Class 7 and above, this becomes an actual offensive technique: the lower classes (7-4) will see blunt tendrils with which Caballero can slap people around, while at classes 3-1, the tendrils will become incredibly sharp and tough, being able to stab and slash at a distance. Tendón can be used to restrain a foe at any class above 8, and may deal crushing damage in this case.
Tendon has a range of up to 15 feet at class 8, and each class upgrade sees an increase of 5 extra feet. Maximum is 50 feet at Class 1 (roughly 15 meters).
Drawbacks: Caballero uses its actual body for this technique, so it is possible to damage him directly by winning an OS clash against Tendón.
{Ulcera (Ulcer)}Class: 7
Technique Type: Stepping
Usable By: Hollows (Not Arrancar)
Technique Description and Effects: This technique is a basic stale for a Hollow's ability to slide in and out of the valley of screams at will when it is hunting or stalking prey. By gliding in and out of the space used by techniques like garganta or descorrer, a hollow can get around quickly. This technique operates similarly to a stepping technique, but only moves at 5x the user's speed. However, the user weaves through rips in the fabric of whatever world they are in, and as such the hollows exits, and then re-enters at the destination, Hollows do not lose awareness of the world as they move through an Ulcera, and can return to the material world mid-step in response to a threat or opportunity. This technique does not take up a Technique slot.
How to use technique: See Above
Technique Drawbacks: Costs 75 reiatsu per step.
Technique Type: Stepping
Usable By: Hollows (Not Arrancar)
Technique Description and Effects: This technique is a basic stale for a Hollow's ability to slide in and out of the valley of screams at will when it is hunting or stalking prey. By gliding in and out of the space used by techniques like garganta or descorrer, a hollow can get around quickly. This technique operates similarly to a stepping technique, but only moves at 5x the user's speed. However, the user weaves through rips in the fabric of whatever world they are in, and as such the hollows exits, and then re-enters at the destination, Hollows do not lose awareness of the world as they move through an Ulcera, and can return to the material world mid-step in response to a threat or opportunity. This technique does not take up a Technique slot.
How to use technique: See Above
Technique Drawbacks: Costs 75 reiatsu per step.
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-History-
Birthplace: Somewhere in the human world, reborn in Rukongai.
Current Residence: None (wanderer).
Memorable Figures: None that it can remember.
History:
Caballero's first life was that of a human, living a quiet life someplace in the human world. Although the memory has faded away, it had a loving, caring family, friends, and a bright future ahead. Unfortunately, the little boy fell ill to a disease that claimed all its remaining years, until it couldn't even move anymore. Thus, its first life ended, but seeing how it was surrounded by friends and family, and how a child like it had little regrets, it managed to ascend peacefully, leaving the mortal coil behind.
The soul was not directly sent to Rukongai, as it was in an awful due to all the mental and spiritual fighting against the disease. Thus, it was 'recycled' and incarnated into a newborn in Soul Society, where it blessed a family on a district on the poorer side of West Rukongai, the 59th to be precise. Caballero had a second chance at life, and even though it was poorer and had it more difficult than before, the lack of memories of the past life let him live happily. Since they lived in one of the worse districts, crime was not that infrequent, and since a tender age Caballero felt itself drawn to fight them and protect those who could not... but without any strength of its own, that was hard to do.
Enter the Shinigami, protectors of the realm and impossibly cool fighters in the child's eyes. The answer to the lawlessness, to the Hollows that plagued the world, to everything that was "bad" in Caballero's eyes. It didn't take long for the child to develop a dream of heading out to the Academy one day, to earn a Zanpakuto, maybe even to reach a seated rank! It would be able to help the family if that was the case, which only made it an attractive goal to work toward. There was only one problem, unfortunately: as a Plus, Caballero had literally no potential to become a Shinigami. It attempted to pass a second evaluation, then a third, until it was deemed that it would not be able to develop any ability that would serve the Seireitei. As such, his dream was shattered far too early, leaving him with a desolate feeling.
This would not stop it from trying his best, however. Try as they might, they could just not dissuade the little guy. If it didn't have talent, it would build its body, its speed, everything that was not dependent on the strength of the soul. Unfortunately, as often happens in real life, such mindless training didn't bring any fruit other than exhaustion, pain and a feeling of not being completely useless that just wouldn't fade away. Eventually, an unseated Shinigami took notice of the same Plus who'd been rejected multiple times, still training. The Shinigami said that one didn't need a Shihakusho or a Zanpakuto to protect others, that what mattered was inside.
This poignant, overplayed speech would be the cause of Caballero's second death. One day, a stray Hollow wrecked part of the 59th district, and eventually got to Caballero's house. Without thinking about it, the Plus put itself between it and its family, grabbing a splintered, small piece wood as a makeshift weapon and draping itself on a cloak. Determined to protect them all, Caballero commanded the Hollow to fight, believing strength would come from the desire to save everyone. What happened was that the Hollow made quick work of the Plus before turning onto the family. Before it could consume any of them, however, the Shinigami came and slayed the monster. Before losing consciousness, it managed to see the Shinigami praise its actions and bow in respect. In the end, even if Caballero's actions had meant its sure death, it had managed to save its loved ones.
However, Caballero's story didn't end there. It didn't die. The Hollow's attack slowly began to erode the Plus's spirit, with the regret of not being able to become a Shinigami and protect anyone else serving as a catalyst. Caballero was taken to the Seireitei in an attempt to save it first, and once that was deemed impossible, Squad 12 had the idea to create a Hollow that could become an ally to Soul Society, considering the attachment it had to the idea of becoming a Shinigami. If they could accomplish this, perhaps they may be able to grow a powerful Vasto Lorde, one that could grant them easy access to Hueco Mundo via Garganta, fight dangerous Hollows without endangering other Shinigami, etcetera. The idea was to limit its hunger to make it more controllable. However, the deterioration of the Plus didn't seem to slow down despite the fact that a lesser hunger should have meant a diminished Hollow-like nature. Ultimately, the idea was scrapped, and the refuse was discarded so it would not harm Soul Society... but left alive to preserve the balance of souls.
Thus, Caballero awoke as a Hollow in Hueco Mundo about a year later. Unbeknownst to anyone, the experiments had succeeded... at least somewhat. As a Hollow, Caballero barely experienced the hunger that compelled its kin to feed almost constantly. The Hollow bore no memories of its previous life, but traces of the Plus's personality lingered. Specially powerful was its strong desire to become a Shinigami, making it far more hostile to Hollow-kind, than humanity. However, this came at a cost: a small body and little to no powers when compared to its kin. Even a new Hollow can be a threat, but Caballero was not. It survived in Hueco Mundo by scavenging and using its tiny size to hide from more powerful foes, until it gained the semblance of strength needed to survive. Its newfound nature allowed it to slowly, but almost ceaselessly grow in strength, unlike its past existances, but its diminished hunger meant it barely fed in comparison to other Hollows.
Thus, we reach the present day, with Caballero wandering around, trying to accomplish its dreams, practicing with whatever it can find that remotely resembles a sword. Even now, it still strives with that abstract concept of becoming a Shinigami very clearly in its mind, keeping it from going insane in the kill-or-be-killed world of Hollows. What adventures await this particular soul? Only time will tell.
