LOCK PLEASE.

[Guest]

The Ultimo Cero connected with Mateo's body, causing intense burns, deep gashs and the breaking of every bone in his body. "I..... just needed...... a few more..... seconds." The Espada reached towards Kiron as his reitsu started to escape his body. Mateo knew he was done and the last thing that he could gather the strength to do is to say one last sentence.

 

 

"I'm.....sorr....y.....Jo....." The Espada's reitsu soon faded, following with the color in his skin. Death had made it's move.

[Dad]

Dura finally decided to show his horrid face. He stared down, dripping with power, into Mateo's closing eyes. Kiron had already gone, bidding Dura good bye with "He's all yours." Dura dragged the boy back to his chambers and locked him inside a large plasma-filled tube.

 

"Soon boy. You will bring me the glory I require. Whether you like it or not." He ran his devastating claws over the chamber, as it began to spin, coursing a strange power through Mateo's body.

[Guest]

The power started to fill Mateo's body, treating his burns and wounds. As the chamber spun the Arrancar's eyes slowly started to open, life had returned to him after being legally dead for a decent amount of time. //How..... How am I alive.// Mateo saw blurs that seemed to be the power that Dura was forcing into his body, soon a sharp pain in the Arrancar's eye made him quickly close it. //Why does it seem that only I feel pain while the others can shake it off....//

[harhar]

Kaien was tired, he had been awaiting his King's arrival for two hours. While he sat in the dirty grass, on the outskirts of Seireitei, he could feel the sun tear away at his skin with its blazing heat. "Damn it, King Kiron. I'm supposed to be your Royal Guard. How can I guard you while you aren't even here?" Kaien was getting angrier by the second, usually he had a more cheerful attitude but today seemed to be different. He felt as if it was time to leave and so made his way towards Seireitei's Hill.

[Signosis]

"It's my policy to excercise chivalry with women. So don't worry - I won't be using any of the teleport orbs, myself. I'll just move at my normal speed there and back, and you just have to find the fastest route through teleportation, okay sweety?"

 

Jo looked at him with a grin, then looked to the fight from over her shoulder, her eyes going wide. Her hand then clenched together to where her nails dug into her hands, blood leaking out slowly. Then, her King released his 'Ultimo Cero' upon him. She was too far away from her Master to save him, so she stared upon them in horror, only reading her Master's lips.

 

"MATEO!" Jo screamed, but gasped as she stopped herself from slithering to him, due to the monster that she had only seen few day before. She stared at it, and as it disappeared with Mateo. Yet, as the time passed ever so slowly, she felt reassured that he was alive. So, with that feeling and hope that he still was, she turned towards Alexander.

 

"Eh...," Jo didn't know where to start, then shrugged. "Hell, after I'm done with this, I'll probably take his place."

 

Jo's smiled at him, but it faultered, and she looked down at the ground, heavily depressed.

 

"I'm going to go through with this, though," Jo said defiantly, glaring at him. "He would want me to."

[Zexaeon]

"Very well then." Alexander replied with a feral grin. He honestly held no care for his fallen comrade, having attempted to do away with him himself, but this pretty little thing needing proper treatment.

 

"Go!" he called, striking off with his amazing Sonido (though Jo would likely personally attest that Gran Bel's was still faster), leaving Jo to travel through the orbs.

 

 

-

 

 

Mileya hopped up and down excitedly next to Elena. Despite being Lucas' fraccion, Mileya was a bit of an Elena fangirl, since Elena was the highest ranking female Espada, and was just so damn friendly to her.

 

"I hope she'll make it." she announced to her friend. "We really need another girl in the ranks, you know?"

 

 

-

 

 

Shina gasped in shock. She was currently sitting at the dinner table, dining with the remaining Shinigami warriors (minus Zaraki, as he seemed to have disappeared for the time being, leaving Byakuya in charge), and had been peacefully zoning out.

 

She was beginning to worry her comrades with this behavior, but she kept on thinking about Seireitei, and was almost excited to go back to sleep so that she could visit there again.

 

All at once, though, she had felt a sharp pain in her chest, her Reiatsu bubbling uncomfortably, causing her gasp. No... she thought. A thread had been cut. Someone had died.

 

Jo? Is it her? Oh god...

 

Shina ignored the looks she was getting, channeling her Reiatsu into where she had felt the snap....come on.... come on... come on...

 

And then she felt it. A small twinge of life. But it wasn't the same...something about this spark of life was different. She didn't like it. She realized who it was after a moment...Mateo...but what's happening to him? He's changing...

 

Shina didn't want this. Not at all. During her brief time being connected to him, she could feel that, as far as Hollow went, he was actually somewhat decent. But this change he was going through, whatever it was....it would twist him. he wouldn't be him anymore. Shina wouldn't like that. Jo wouldn't like that.

 

I have to intervene....

 

She got up from the table without a word, stepping outside into the cool air. She then drew her Zanpakuto.

 

"Tebanase O Sanshiten, Kagetsuki."

 

Her sword bloomed to life, it's threads dancing off the blade, as she closed her eyes and concentrated. Find him. I command you to find him. she thought, as one individual thread tied itself around her arm, and then shot off into the unseeable distance, vanishing from conventional sight.

 

It took five minutes, but there it was. His soul. She was directly connected now. Listen to me. Not with your ears, but with your heart Mateo. she sent the message through the thread. Mateo wouldn't be able to directly hear it, but he wouldn't need to....she was carving this message into his heart, where he would feel it and remember it always.

 

There was some risk in exposing her own heart to him like this, but it had to be done.

 

Listen to me. With your heart. Listen to me. You must not change. Even if your physical shape differs. Even if you soul is corrupted. Even if your mind is wiped, you must carry this with you in your heart at all times - you must be there for Jo. You must retain that piece of yourself that held decency. In your very core, no matter how much you change outwardly, you must stay you, Mateo. Listen with your heart.

[Signosis]

Jo blinked and stared at his feral grin, a little intimidated. The word 'pervert' instantly came to her mind, and she looked away to keep herself from bursting out in laughter.

 

"Go!"

 

Jo shot off like a bullet, but watched as he totally overtook her - she did her best to keep up, reaching out her left hand to at least stroke his cheek with a large grin, then fell back. She hoped that it worked.

 

She came towards the first orb, which she instantly touched.

[Guest]

After a little while in the chamber it had seemed as if all of Mateo's wounds had been healed, yet his eye still gave out a terrible pain. Since he was healed the Espada's reitsu started to pour back into his body, rushing at a great rate. //By the looks of it I'll be able to return to the Seireitei to see Jo finish her trials...//

 

However fate had to butt heads with Mateo's goals once again. A fragment of a voice that seemed to belong to Shina filled the chamber yet no words were actually make outable.

 

"Don't worry about the girl, focus on channeling this strength and becoming stronger, all that matters is power!"

 

Another voice however decided to plop into the head of Mateo, even though it was unknown it somehow seemed like it was a thought. //Is there a little person or something hiding in the chamber with me or am I just going insane.// The Espada was once again lost in his mind but the purple reitsu soon took place of his own like before.

 

"Stop being retarded and smarten up. I'm a apart of you, you stupid excuse for a Hollow." The voice seemed pissed for some reason but the fact that it was a apart of Mateo suprised the sheet out of him. //Who the funk are you and how the hell did you get into my head!// The voice simply laughed, causing it to echo through the Espada's eardrums. "/I'm your more hollow-like side, or should I say the "real" you. The sooner you submit to me and allow me to show you your true nature the faster we can gain more power!"

 

The voice was of course weird but Mateo simply closed his eyes and started to relax. //I'll hear you out after I'm fully recovered, fragment of my imagination...// Before another word was spoke the Espada had already fallen asleep.

 

OOC: Sorry I took so long, yay for concept idea

[Dad]

OOC: Hooray for sorta long post! And here, weeeeee go!

 

Jo was spun around quickly, and when she reappeared on the course, Alexander was just passing her. Ahead, at a fork in the road, there were two orbs; both yellow, but one on the left, and one to the right. Depending which she chose, it would either increase her chances dramatically, or cost her the race.

 

---

 

Elena was happier than ever, smiling at Mileya. "I wouldn't mind having a lady Segunda Espada," she said grinning. "I wonder if she has that kind of power though?" She shrugged as she continued watching from the high, rusty cannon, cheering Jo and Alexander on; she started to tongue tie herself eventually.

 

"Gojoxander. . .ack! Somebody win!"

 

---

 

Yoruichi began to answer Shina, but she was darting out the door. "It's about 3--huh?" Shina dashed outside and released her Zanpaktou. She appeared to be looking for something, but Yoruichi couldn't read thoughts, per say. "What's she doing?"

 

---

 

"Almost there!" Shiro had only barely avoided Amago's whirling dragon, as it devoured everything it could, crashing through obstacles with no signs of stopping. Shiro was tired, but Amago hadn't broken a sweat!

 

"Come on Shiro! Don't hold back now!" Shiro nodded, trying to catch his breath; not a moment later did Ryuu slam him into the ground. Shiro shook his tired head. "I'm getting weaker by the second," he thought. "Does that mean--" blood trickled from his eye, as a shard fell into his open palm. Looking to Amago, he seemed to ask, how many left?

 

"One, Shiro. One more." Shiro smiled, but hesitatingly. He got to his feet, and vanished, shocking even Amago. "Hmm? Behind me!" But he was off. Shiro was indeed behind him, but below him as well. Slicing at his legs, Shiro slid between Amago's legs and bounced up, actually drawing blood, regaining his strength.

 

"Alright then. Last round," Amago announced. They shot forward to each other, blades gripped tightly, clashing with an awe of power.

 

---

 

Kiron climbed his way back from the depths of Hell, arriving at Sougoyku Hill. Jo's final crucible was already underway. "Hm. I'll get the results later," he said to himself, the stinging of the venom finally catching up to him. "I suppose I should make my way to the Sick Bay," he thought to himself. Before he could move a muscle, Kaien was climbing his way up Sougoyku Hill, his most loyal royal Guard.

 

"I trust you've had no trouble then, old friend?" he said to Kaien.

 

---

 

Zaraki's body sprang to life, and he opened his eyes slowly. A strange feeling ran through him. One he hadn't felt since the day he discovered who he was; what he was. The shadow of himself stood above him, backing away fearfully. "Why did you give him such a thing?! This man is no Shinigami! Zaraki Kenpachi is--!" Before he could utter his last words to the great voice, the shadow began to bleed.

 

Only seconds later, his head slid from it's shoulders, and it was no longer shrouded in darkness. It was quite literally Zaraki who killed himself. And only in death did he gain his true found power.

 

He had moved so fast, and so astoundingly, that the shadow could not comprehend what had happened before he was killed. And so, it faded away.

[harhar]

"I've had no trouble at all King Kiron," Kaien said with an awkward smile, "Glad to have you back." Kaien knelt his right leg to the ground, a sign of respect and obedience, and tilted his head in the downward position. King Kiron smiled and signaled him to get off the ground. The King whispered something. Almost instantly, a smile appeared on Kaien's face. Hearing his King's gentle words made his heart skip a beat. "Yes, my King."

[Dad]

Signaling Kaien to rise, Kiron shook his hand and whispered, "Are you ready to leave my son?" Almost instantly, a smile spread across Kaien's face, as he replied "Yes, my King." "I'm poisoned by a venom, but the traitor has been taken care of. I'd like you to take me to the Sick Bay, please."

 

---

 

Dura watched as Mateo shook inside his lock. Reading his thoughts, Dura understood that his plans were not going according to plan. Apparently, Mateo was ignoring the powerful voice of his true Arrancar Spirit. "You will only obtain true power by grasping your inner being. Foolish Mateo."

 

Dura ran his power ridden claws over the containment lock, and watched a powerful electric surge coarse through his body, giving him the power that Dura was allowed. "You work for me now boy. You will do as I command!"

[harhar]

Kaien was hesitant but agreed. He knew his mighty King wouldn't fall pray to mere venom but if the King requested it then it had to be done. "Yes, of course my King." Kaien took a deep breathe and then released. He could easily Sonido towards Sick Bay but he was wondering why his King couldn't. Kaien became a bit worried, he grabbed his King's right shoulder, squeezed tightly, and started moving. All it took was three warm up steps before Kaien was moving at incredible speed. In a matter of seconds, the King and Kaien were at Sick Bay. "As you commanded, my King." Kaien smiled and let go of King Kiron's shoulder.

[Dad]

Kiron was grateful The venom had spread to his legs, preventing their use. "There's a reason you're my most loyal Royal Guard Kaien. Thank you." Kiron sat in a bed without question. Nurses ran over to him, blushing, filled with anxiety. "Ladies, calm down," he said chuckling. "It's my legs. The venom has paralyzed them. How soon can you have me back to my normal self?"

 

The head nurse rushed over, slamming a needle into Kiron's strong skin. "You should be better in a few hours time my Lord." She said winking. He chuckled, bidding them thanks and away, then turned to Kaien. "Kaien, until then, I'd like you to return to Sougyoku Hill and keep watch over Jo's trials. When it is over, I want every detail from you."

[harhar]

"As you command, my King." Kaien nodded, he gave his King one more glance before hurrying off to Sougyoku Hill. Once there, he could see a girl running around frantically just below the Hill's top. He hadn't understood why his King took so much interest to her but he hadn't understood many of King Kiron's actions, so he just shrugged it off. Kaien removed the brown clothed bag from his shoulders and set it on a nice patch of grass. He then, without making much commotion, plopped himself right next to it. He felt tired but he knew he couldn't sleep. Damn, how long do I have to watch this pathetic girl run endlessly?

[Guest]

Mateo quickly grabbed his head in pain as the serge coursed through his body, it feeled as if he was being killed all over again. "See, Lord Dura is a smart hollow satan thing, now listen and take my power you funking fool!" The voice rang through the Espada's head once again, causing another headache and a half. //Fine..... Dura is the one that saved my life so I'll accept him as my master. As for you go ahead, I see your power now and it's one I crave!// Mateo seemed as if all he cared about was power, reiatsu came into his body even faster allowing his goal to come closer and closer.

 

As the reiatsu poured into the Arrancar's body it started to envelop the soul, quickly finishing the job of healing his wounds and starting the change of his Zonpaktou. The blade had grown longer and had what seemed to be four hilts.

When the blade finished the next thing that changed was the Arrancar's broken mask, it had seemed as if the snake's eyeholes had grown purple orbs of reiatsu along with the fangs looking as if they were coated with a powerful venom.

 

Even with the changes to the body the most difficult change was still to come, the one to the mind. While his form had gone under some changes Mateo's mind had gone into warzone mode. All his thoughts and memories flashed into his head along with his beliefs and emotions, mixing and matching with that of his real arrancar spirits. "GRAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" A sharp pain flashed into his head feeling like that of a million Ultimo Ceros. The chamber started to flash with a overflow of reitsu, enguling the room with a flashing white light.

[Dad]

Dura watched with satisfaction as Mateo's body changed dramatically. "Excellent. His mind is under going the final stage. Soon," Dura said tightening his palms. "Soon you will be mine; it is absolute." Dura waved a giant hand over the lock, and it tossed Mateo out, right at Dura's feet. Leaning in, Dura breathed an evil life into Mateo's body, standing him up and placing him on his feet.

 

"Awaken Mateo. Bring down the rains of hell upon mine enemies."

[Guest]

"I would like to ask you a question first Lord Dura." The Arrancar was kneeled on his left knee, his new power felt great but for some reason it didn't feel.... complete. "I wish to know if you could possible train me so I can be of more service to you." Mateo of course figured that the demon's answer would be iffy but it could be his chance to surpass many of the other Espada and maybe even Kiron one day. The orbs that were placed in the eye sockets of his broken mask glowed as the thoughts of power continued......

[Dad]

Dura laughed, echoing throughout the infinite caverns. "Me? Train you?" Why, I haven't even wielded my Zanpaktou since I became. . . " Dura glanced at his large, overwhelming demonic body. Towering twenty feet tall, covered in a blood like skin; fangs, hands, and feet sharper than that of knives. His feet curled into the ground.

 

"This." Dura smiled darkly at Mateo. "The only way for me to train you, my boy, is if I were to revert to my normal state. Though I must warn you," he said backing into the hell center. "I wield much more power than Kiron. Even drawing my Zanpaktou," he scoffed. "Would kill you." Dura faded into the pit, and it rumbled with power.

 

The caverns began to rock violently, as Dura reached a sharp hand and climbed out slowly. He was no longer the giant beast that stood before Mateo moments ago. Instead, he was six feet, six inches tall, slick white hair, with a white sheathed Zanpaktou. His eyes were thin, as they were practically always closed. His hair was short, but very wild, spiked in an upwards-back motion.

 

He was shirtless, and a wicked skull and trident marked his chest. It was glowing with intensity, but Dura contained his power, sparing Mateo the pain. "It will be," he said raspy. "A long and--" he cleared his throat, massaging it. "A long and dreary time for you." As Dura spoke, the many wandering souls around Mateo and himself fell to their knees, in awe and respect.

[Guest]

"Understood Lord Dura, one question before we begin however. What are theses orbs that took place in my broken mask?" The Arrancar drew two out of the four blades from his sheath and got himself into a readied stance. The formation seemed somewhat more confortable then just wielding a single blade and already he felt like he had been using two for centuries. But the thing that impressed Mateo the most was Dura's Arrancar form....

[Dad]

"That Mateo, is the shard of Power. It is not to be taken lightly, and only when it is broken will you ever acquire it's strength." Dura walked slowly, getting used to his legs again. "Ah, it's been quite some time since I've been in this body." Dura smiled, beginning the explanation of said shard.

 

"Each time you suffer greatly Mateo, by the shard's standards, it will break by piece. As it breaks, you will feel weaker, and weaker until the final shard has removed itself. When removed, your true potential will be revealed." Dura pointed at Mateo with a finger. "Now then," he said without moving.

 

"Let us begin. Come at me with all your might."

[Guest]

Mateo sliced down without warning, thrusting his reitsu into his blades with great force down on Dura. "Understood." The Arrancar was focused and wanted to make sure he could prove himself to his new master. Two snakes came out of where Mateo's shoulder and torso met and grabbed the remaining blades in his sheath, wielding them in a Asura like fasion.

[Dad]

Stretching forth his forearm, Dura blocked the attack, his skin stabbing it back towards Mateo, slamming him backwards. "Your greatest advantage is your defense Mateo. Use it offensively. Do not continue to recklessly barrage your opponent. It will kill you. Now then," he said sighing.

 

"I'll start slow for you." Using Sonido, Dura vanished and reappeared, grabbing Mateo's shoulder. "Come now. Don't just stand there."

[Guest]

Mateo simply nodded as he focused a good chunk of reiatsu into his skin. //I wonder if this will work....// The Arrancar then focused another chunk of his energy into his Zonpaktous, causing them to give off a bit of a atract allure. The point of the plan was pretty simple, he didn't know if it would work on a hollow as powerful as Dura but it was worth a shot.

[Dad]

"Hmm?" Dura questioned the strange scent of Mateo's Zanpaktou. "Sorry Mateo, but your draw technique is quite. . . useless against me." He sighed, walking away. "If you're not going to take this seriously Mateo, then I see no reason for me to continue raising you."

 

Dura began to walk towards the fiery pit, tempted to jump in.

[Guest]

Mateo sighed, he rather not go into his pincer setups but if Dura didn't think he was trying. The young Arrancar Sonido'd behind Dura and quickly sliced down, while another copy of Mateo sliced Dura from in front. Somehow the snake had found a new trick, taking concepts and ideas from his snake seperation. Both Mateos connected their blades with Dura's body, however only the one behind him left a slowly forming gash while the one in front had disappeared.