The Road to Captaincy [Solo Training]

[Kaijin"Harle"Quinn]

[OOC: This training thread is a solo thread in which will comprise of several areas to train. Each section will be labeled as either SP or CTP, and will be bumped to signify when the section has been completed for grading.]

SP

<sub>"Un, deux, trois[One, two, three]...."

It has been far too long since the the Shinigami had visited the woods. Ever since her arrival in Rukon Harle had spent her time preparing herself, honing her mind and body to peak condition before entering the academy within the Seireitei. How many hours that were spent on the countless days training herself to be ready for what was to come. It was here in the woods is where Harle began to manifest her abilities and awaken her inner spirit. Blossoming with renewed strength and a goal, the Jester shed blood, sweat, and tears to reach the position she was in today. Even her time within the academy had molded her mind to help her own understanding that her abilities were not limited to where she was currently standing, and that they can progress further.

The idea itself and her will to take on a new challenge did provide the thrill in achieving such goal. Her parents always desired for her to live her life and to continue to push herself to be better. She assumed that it was in her own ability as a Jester that was to be preserved in memory of her parents. She was wrong. For it was not until meeting him, Marcus Cole, was when she fully understood what her parents wanted for her. Marcus was a quiet individual who possessed his own demons like all people did. Harle was no exception. Constantly, she saw the man battling past his fears to achieve what would be a minor task for others, but for the French woman, she saw something more. He was striving, reaching out for something that he yearned.

"quinze, seize, dix-sept[fifteen, sixteen, seventeen]..." Her body lined up against the tree bark, pushing herself away from the elevated branch fifteen feet in air, with the thoughts of Marcus distracting her from what she was there to do. Despite where his loyalty rested with, he offered kindness rather than violence. Her own fears towards men did keep her away at arms length most of the time, but just as quickly her desire to support the plagued man grew, so did her affections for him did as well. Harle could feel his touch as she continued her pushups.

As the two spent their time together she began to understand the man even more, and learn a bit about his past. How funny that they were similar to each other. Although, their experiences were different there own inhibitions were forged that caused them to avoid people. His anti-sociable behavior was difficult to deal with but was rather adorable at the same time. Like a shy child who only needed someone to hold them. Just as the orphaned child did when she was wandering her distraught homeland. How much did they have to suffer as they were abandoned by everyone, but Harle. "Trente, Trente et un..... [Thirty, thirty one]"

Through their conversing they were able to act on the others skills in their similar background as entertainers. Harle discovered Marcus' infinity in his abilities and found the means to communicate with him in a way that established a silent trust between the two. Even on opposing sides they found a mutual trust in one another as they were pushing away from their respective factions and conducted themselves as their persons, rather than representatives. The Jester finally found an individual who understood her and was faun as much as she was in their respective past practice. Little by little the two of them grew close, closer than what she had originally thought possible with a man.

Her experiences with men were never too good, but Marcus took all of that away. He was her inspiration even when he told her that she was his. "Cinquante-sept, cinquante-huit, cinquante-neuf, soixante [fifty seven, fifty eight, fifty nine, sixty]..." The french woman removed a single arm from her form to push her physical caliber further as she continued onward with her routine. More and more they spent side by side with each other, her affections for him boiled over and was drawn in by the forbidden fruit. Her own reckless nature did take over for the brief moment, which was something she was use to, but .... locking lips with the man was something that went over her head. A thought that clung to the back of her mind but was enticed by his honesty and caring nature.

For the Lieutenant it was a conflict between her mind and spirit, but her choice would not be swayed. She didn't regret the path she chose for herself. For now she had someone who cared for her just as much as she cared for him. Marcus found Harle as she found him. The two were masked by their pasts and needed another to push them in the right direction. Harle had another reason to strive for the future. Something worth protecting, someone.. worth dying for. And in her current state she would not be able to secure that dream. Harle needed more, "Quatre-vingt cinq, quatre vingt seize, quatre-vingt dix ... sept, quatre vingt dix huit ....., quatre vingt dix neuf, cent," the Shinigami struggles to say as she tilts her form toward the edge of the branch to have her legs catch the narrow bark.

Near the end of their night together Marcus revealed to the Shinigami that she had a long way to go still. Her latent abilities were no where near the power she desired. Her leg kicked forward as her torso was thrust back to toss her weight back, for the combined effort allowed the Jester to flip forward and landing on the dirt ground with a heavy thump. Her heart was pounding from the exertion of physical strength, but it was still not enough. She could not give in. Harle still had a long way to go and this was only the beginning to the goal she was seeking. A quick breather before kicking upward to thrust her weight once more upward, tossing her center of gravity more to her backside to somersault. Each flip backwards had lagging moment for the woman to continue her kicking moment to drive her momentum while her other foot was used to deliver a high kick within each rotation.

Bells jingled in the silence of the woods as the Lieutenant continued to train in the same area she had before the academy. She had to be quicker, and more precise with her movements. Marcus did not falter in his movements and taught Harle the flaws in her form. In order to achieve such a level that Marcus was at, Harle would have to push herself even more than before. She wanted to stand side by side with Marcus as equals, and to reassure him that she was not dead weight, that she could hold her own. The Shinigami had to reconnect with her roots and push them beyond the traditional boundaries and become more unorthodox. All the more reason why her acrobatic skills and dance were the next to provide assistance to her on foot positioning and breathing control.</sub>

[Kaijin"Harle"Quinn]

From the past sessions she participated with her late mother, the French Jester memorized the dances that she was shown during her performances. Although, Harle herself was not keen on the dances themselves, but recognizing each step taken.. no.. each movement her mother enacted possessed a purpose and was never wasted. No mistakes were made but only entranced the audience with the unspoken story that was being told before them. The Shinigami's mother operated with a pair of twin silk fans to assist with her story telling, and while Harle didn't use fans to reenact the motions, she did use her own Zanpakuto and a kunai as their substitutes.

From what she could remember Harle began her routine with her feet together and fluidly brought her right leg around a foot in front of herself. In a swinging motion her sole gently patted the dirt flower as her right arm followed suite. Twisting her wrist to bring her palm facing upward to complete the movement, her posture would shift to the right side to swing her left hip back, extending her free hand away from the hip as though she were reaching for the heavens themselves. Just like a dream, the very image of her mother, the Geisha, returned the Lieutenant's mind. A slight tug to her left that lured her right side over to the left to level her right arm to her waistline, bringing it closer to her hips. The right leg slid back to elevate the left arm over her head.

Using the left sole to support her body weight to pivot other foot around herself to toss her weight around. Into a spinning motion Harle twirled herself with hands dancing in the air above her twin tail jester's cap. Almost tangling them within the other. A few paces in the other direction were taken as miniature steps to occupy three feet before swinging her weight back to the point of origin. Both arms supported her movements by gently lowering her arms like that of clock hands, slowly increasing the pace once leveled by her waistline. It was exactly how it was back then as well.

Back then, Harle practiced such arts beside her mother. Learning the means to maneuver her body more fluently as though she were wind and water. Back then Harle was too impatient, always wanting to push herself further without regards in properly moving herself. The life of a Geisha was demanding from what her mother told her. Every move had to be perfect. Flawless as they sold their skills and talents to those who were seeking such majestic beauty. Harle trained to become the best Magician that the world has ever seen. Learning from two different cultures the French woman was able to procure the beauty and lessons that the two offered. Such grace and perfection came from the hours of sweat and tears that her mother had instilled into her daughter.

It was actually pretty funny how things did turn out for her, and how much she had to endure from an unwavering teacher. The mother was firm and unrelenting in each of her sessions, but afterwards, the caring woman who cherished her child very much. So much that even in her last breath all she desired was for her daughter to smile. Such memories Harle kept buried within herself as motivation to press onward in her life, and afterlife. Continuing onward she experienced so much, and each one was unique. However, among them all one had stood out from the rest. Her time with Marcus. Although shy and flustered his very existence brought life into her seemingly fading existence.

While her spirit wandered aimlessly in the world of the living, to support the lost souls of the wary and to children, there was actually no other reason than what the Soul Society had provided her with. A duty without cause was merely an empty life, but Marcus gave her something. Something very precious to her. And for that she was willing to do anything to protect him and the world that she would want to explore with him. Both arms waved in circular motions to sides like waves on a beach. Up and down like the gentle current the Shinigami's rear was puckered out to swing her body weight into a single twirl, before finishing her small dance in a crouched position and hands entering the formal Japanese bowing stance.

This was all but a warm up for what was to come ahead. A trial in which she knew that all Captains had to undergo before earning such a title. Bankai. That was the trial she had to take hold of, and by doing so she would need to be accepted by not only the officials of the Seireitei, but those that resided within herself. To face the demons that she harbored within. The battle between light and darkness, and the past she attempted to bury inside herself. It was time to confront them. Wiping away the beads of water from her painted face the Shinigami seated herself in the center of the woods to enter into her inner world, prepared to face what was to come ahead.

[Kaijin"Harle"Quinn]

OOC> Bumping to signify completion of this section before moving on. Please grade and thank you.

[Katekarin Mekatoku]

+80 SP

[Kaijin"Harle"Quinn]

TTP

How long has it been since she ventured inside herself? Perhaps since the time that she first awakened her Shikai. Don't know really. How insulting really that she would have forgotten the day that she had met the two of them. Her inner voices, her inner spirits, herself. It may possibly be that she had spent nearly everyday knowing the fact that she was able to call upon them although they do not speak much. But, they have always been there when needed most. At this time she had been carrying the responsibilities herself without the help of other people. To hold the weight of others is what she thought it was her duty. It is, but not what she desired. That was the darkness inside of her.

Little by little it had manifested itself to the surface, always lurking behind the kind smile that she always worn on her face, behind the second layer of concealment that she wore everyday. Thus far only two people have ever seen her face, the previous Captain of Squad Two, and Marcus Cole. Both have left their marks on her and have carved their respective importance into her. Her Captain with his ideals and teachings, while Marcus a sense of purpose and direction that she always wanted. However, what they had both revealed to her was the horrid fact of her own weakness.

For that fact she had to meet head on and continue with her training, she desired more strength to fulfill that desire, and she would do whatever it took to achieve it. For that very reason is why she decided to venture once more into her inner world to train, to have her Zanpakuto spirits lend her their strength. Only through them can she achieve what she desired, only through them can she reach the pinnacle of her power. So far it is only White that has accepted Harle has the master, but the other, Black, hadn't yet. Which was the reason why Black was constantly shackled and sealed into a coffin like compartment to prevent her ill intentions from affecting her connection with her powers.

All of that however was in vain. After all, limiting herself by chaining up the other half of her Zanpakuto spirit only kept a larger portion of power sealed away as well. Knowing that Harle could no longer side step the issue, she could no longer run away from what she feared. The time with Marcus revealed that to her, and knowing the difficult times that were to come ahead of her she could no longer take the easy way out, she had to push her limits, regardless of the dangers that awaited her.

She managed to find a quiet spot within the woods to actually enter her inner world. Resting against the base of a tree to enter into a deep sleep, the Shinigami was able to focus her spirit to enter the world that resided within her. And it was just as they said it would be, unique only to her. Harle never saw what the worlds that the other Shinigami like herself were like, but each of them suppose to be referring to how they are deep inside, like desires, dreams, beliefs, and ideals. So, Harle was not all that surprised when she found out her own world resembled that of Circus tent. Similar to the tent that she met Marcus in, but instead of being torn down it was seemingly new. That and the roofless void that only strung up the numerous safety nets, tight ropes, and the endless wooden poles that vanish into the darkness above. And there at the center, in the central ring lay the coffin seal.

How much that Black resented Harle for keeping her locked away, all because she couldn't face her own fears. The Lieutenant ran away from the dark inner workings within herself, the part of her that was forged by the unjust actions of the past that she despised so very much. Behind her smile she always kept the burning hate for those that did her wrong, but never did express them since she didn't want to hurt others. She accepted the pain and misery, she locked them away inside of her without giving much thought as to what they were doing to her.

Thus, she could understand to an extent as to why there were two spirits that made up Zanpakuto, even though there was only one blade. Two perspectives to herself as there were two faces that Harle formed in her life. And so, "Madam Harle, it is good to see you again." A small flickering light emitted as the size of a melon, hovering over the center ring before darting toward the Shinigami. White, the only spirit that accepted Harle as the Master. Dressed as a miniature Jester, the child was nearly covered in lace and frills that made it a challenge to see where the shape of her body, not to mention her small hands and feet.

White was indeed an adorable little girl that sought to make everyone around her happy. A dream that Harle herself wanted to accomplish in a world full of suffering and despair. In spite of all that she has done to do so it was preventing her from obtaining her own happiness. Her own wish to bring the joy, happiness, and wonder of magic to the world has always remained the same since it was how she is able to honor her parents, but, never did it occurred to her about what she wanted in life. So now she was going for it, for her future, and to do that she had to confront the depths of her inner darkness, where her pain was locked away.

"Madam, I know why you are here but I do not think it is the best time right now. You should really reconsider this, and take your time until you are certainly ready for this. Black is now... "I thank you for ze concern White, but now iz not ze time fo hezitation." She nearly blotted the small talk from her mind as she continued to proceed toward the coffin toward the center. Clearly the French woman had already made up her mind about what she wanted from her visit. The first time that she ever aggressive about something. White did make an accurate observation that Harle was out matched by the might that Black wielded.

The two never scuffled against one another per say but the influence that Black had over Harle's fears and darkness was surely a reflection of how much Black was able to influence her, a reflection of how much strength that she wielded within herself. That was the strength that Harle had to reign in no matter the cost. And so, without a second thought, standing over the chained black crate, the Lieutenants nimble finger took hold of the edge of the lid to have the chains disperse. "My Lady please reconsi... "Zere iz no turning back now." Upon the ending of those words the Jester woman torn open the coffin to only be met with a burst of cold air with a shadowy figure emerged like the undead, "So, now you need me you miserable wench."

[Kaijin"Harle"Quinn]

Black wasted no time to lash out at her wielder, thrusting an open palm in between the jester's breasts. The full force of what felt like tremendous pressure slammed against her body to blast her body straight toward the wooden bleachers. Her body bounced off against the harden edge of the world, skidding up along the arch way. This was something that she'd never experienced before, especially from a single strike in which she couldn't even see. Much like Marcus' pace, Black did so without even appearing to move her arm. If it wasn't for the imprint from the strike itself then she wouldn't have been able to know what struck her. Black was not fooling around with Harle, she meant business.

How could she blame her really since Harle was the one who had her locked away from the beginning. Only during the rare occasion that Black's influence were able to surface and affect Harle's personality and actions. Those times drove the Lieutenant to edges of insanity and hate. So many years of being repressed suddenly erupted in a single instant, causing the Shinigami to take aggressive action to all within the immediate vicinity. Due to her interference and darkness Harle had little to no choice but to lock Black away for the safety of those around her. But that was not it. Far from the truth really. She sealed half of her Zanpakuto spirit away because Harle didn't want to be reminded of the hateful thoughts she had inside of herself.

Yes, that was it. The entire time Harle had been running away or side stepping the issue in which she refused to face. She didn't acknowledge a part of herself meaning that she didn't accept Black's existence. Harle was despicable to do that to her. To tell someone that they meant nothing and had no right to life was unforgivable. Harle did so with her actions, and Black had to suffer for it. Looking back at the center of the tent the Lieutenant only saw the hate filled eyes that peered through the locks of pale colored hair, starring fiercely at her. Now, Harle had to repent, she had to face what she hid for these years, and accept the painful past she ran from. She had to accept herself for what happened and what it was going to mean for her.

Her Zanpakuto spirit mirrored the personality that Harle had, so there were no words that needed to be said. At this time only actions were going to be their words. To have them trade blows and express themselves through their conflict with each other. Even as the French woman rose to her feet, the pounding of her injured nerves and body pulsated around her chest, pleading for her to cease movement. Harle could only wish that it were that easy, but it was not. There was still so much she had to atone for, and it began now.

Her thoughts were trained on how Black was able to conjure such raw power in such a slender form she possessed. The injury she had inflicted on Harle did not break the skin to cause bleeding, because if it had then her chest garments would have shown signs of blood or something. It left her curious since she didn't feel any moist sensations from her struck area. Instead, it only felt sore, and that her insides were pummeled. What did Black do to her? Hopefully with their engagement she may find out the cause of it. She knew for certain that it was not due to her physically abilities, so could it be a technique or a special power that she had no knowledge of?

Charging ahead toward the rebellious spirit, the Lieutenant called upon a Bakudo as she spun herself in a corkscrew spin with the ribbon of light twirling around her. The ribbon would have bound the spirit should she have touched it, so Harle would be able to see whether or not her power had to make contact with her or not, however, sad to say that Black was much quicker than Harle's pale movements. Once again Harle was forced back but this time she was sent flying into the air to be tugged by the many safety nets scattered along the endless ceiling. How was Black able to strike her as she has been?

The sudden flash emerged again when the Lieutenant closed the distance between them. Her reactions and gestures suggested that she didn't need much effort to avoid or to strike her. More like sheer confidence that Harle wouldn't be able to do nothing to her. Rather than being struck at a certain spot, there was a wave of pressure that blew her frail body up into the air. Harle had to keep her wits about her if she is overcome the inner spirit, and prevail over her faults.

[Kaijin"Harle"Quinn]

"What iz thiz?" It can't be. It couldn't be happening. Why was she...? "Awww, what is wrong? You don't seem to be happy to see us again." The pair of faces that were staring her down at the moment were very familiar. Like, how could she have forgotten about them after everything that they did to her, after everything she tried to do for them. "Looks like she is surprised to see us brother." "It will seem that way. Why don't we finish what we started before we were interrupted." Harle couldn't believe what she was seeing in front of her. After all the time that had passed why was it that the two men standing before her remained, and exactly the same as she last saw them.

Thinking back to her fight with Black, she was being thrown from side to side all over the circus tent. Black was still in control of their little fray with her strange means of fighting. From what she could tell, Black was emanating a strong reiatsu presence as they continued to fight, and even when she was not making contact with Harle her body was still being flung about like some rag doll. It was at that moment she had realized that Black was actually manipulating her reiatsu, using it as a weapon or at least a means of extending her reach. But, it was not only her reach that felt like was being extended. To put it more into words Black was penetrating her skin to strike at her muscles and inner workings.

Each and every time she felt a strong amount of force being applied. Not only that but each strike pushed through her pores and pierced passed her muscles. Every time a strike was directed at her she could feel reiatsu spikes, followed by her muscles cramping up then surging pain shortly after. Didn't matter if the jester had guarded against the reiatsu strikes or managed to create a one foot distance between them, each attack made contact with her. From what she could guess was that reiatsu strikes, like Black, were different from physical attacks since they only damaged the skin and possibly the muscles if the offenders strength was more. But, a physical strike to aide, no, to actually mold it into something that can penetrate the surface to bring harm to her interior structure, then didn't really matter what Harle did.

If there were a means to defend herself against such a form of fighting, then it would have to be Harle's own reiatsu strength that had to be stronger than that of Black's. Sadly it was not meant to be. From where the Lieutenant stood in terms of power she failed in comparison to that of her Zanpakuto spirit. As of now Black surpassed Harle in terms of reiatsu strength and speed. Her body appeared to be similar to that of Harle, however, her appearance seemed to be that of an older Harle. The similarities were almost spot on aside from the make up and the apparent age difference. Which meant that Black's figure was built slender and toned from the years of training that reflected Harle's living experiences, and during her time within the academy. Out of both Zanpakuto spirits, Blacks was the one that reflected Harle's experience back from when she was still alive. Which meant....

"I think this farce has gone on long enough don't you think? Black snarled behind the strands of gray hair as she rose the pair of talons to bear at the Shinigami. "You have shown some resolve in continuing with this little facade of strength that you have, but, let us see if you are willing to maintain it after your little trip down memory lane." Black only sneered at her Master with a cocky smile as she spoke once more, ""Oh heavens hear my prayers. Shine your light from above and blind my foes with your eternal love. Subjugate, Tsukuyomi." Almost in an instant Harle was consumed by a bright white light. She knew was coming, but didn't expect to face what started her turmoil. To face what had happened all those years ago. The true test had just begun.

[Kaijin"Harle"Quinn]

Just going to bump to turn in for TTP.

Thank you very much.

[Zeich Yajuu]

+110 TTP.