Filming gone wrong. [Training, private, Kilik]

"Along the streets of Naruki city; hidden away for eons within the depths of its foul catacombs of ancient history slept a beast of immense power. Its soul tied to this world forever in mourning, its essence needing to be freed. Who would stand up to this most foul of creatures, who would brave the peaceful streets? Who would be the one to call when you need an ancient spirit busted?" A wall fell upon the pavement its chunks each making their own melody of destruction within the empty street. It was the first fall of a "battle" that was currently being waged. A person within a fancy hat, in normal street ware and with mossy green hair dodged to the side holding onto the hat with one hand and a small notebook within the other. Her pose more self fulfilling then actually useful within a fight, you call me, the professional classy ghost buster. the howl of the creature filled the air it smashed through the rubble like an angry beast; fitting because of its appearance. Looking more like a horrible eighties monster than anything else it barely resembled a humanoid aside from its limbs. The white face covered with tribal like markings that gave it long tear drops down its boar mask. It's back covered with hair and it's from covered with what she could only assume to be scales, Erika believed she had hit the jack pot.

"The beast’s hair was made out of steel fibers that only resembled the living, it only hiding the scales that the rest of its body showed. Its roar would send children into madness sand men fleeing like cornered rats. The worst parts though being neither the bark nor the bite, but the symbol, the symbol of its sadness and wish to be cured from its curse." Another swipe hit against the area this time into the ground where the girl had been writing away as it had been attacking, with only the goal of destroying her in mind. A little tap within the street and the girl closed her notebook, That should be a good enough description of the monster to get a head start on the next episode, now then let us continue. Removing the hat from her head, her hair fell down from within it, and she allowed the beasts hand to come crashing down upon her, she had picked her prey well this night it wasn't that strong, more taken for the looks than anything else, but that was her thing the looks. Her father warned her about battling low levels as you wouldn't be ready if the real thing showed up, but seriously she wasn't all that worried. If that day came she would just have to either find a way out or beat it, it was that simple, dying didn't exist within her mind thinking that way would get you killed after all; that and someone as classy as her couldn't die obviously!

It's primitive roar of frustration hitting the streets with fury, despite the fact that few could probably hear it let alone want to come near it, she sighed, it's pounding continued as she grasped her 'cross" with her right hand manifesting her crossbow upon her forearm, I shouldn't have chosen you, I have been far too cruel this night. Firing into the things leg it recoiled back as of now budded rose stuck out of it and made a home within the creature. Firing another and another as the roars became screeches. Over and over she hit the thing purposely avoiding a kill until finally it recoiled down onto the ground, Bloom The crossbows normal glowing green hue changing to orange the various roses within the creature opened up exposing their petals and Reishi within the air. Drawing it back unto herself she watched as the hollow she had lured from its spot it seemed to enjoy fell unconscious upon the streets. That was probably a bad place to have it fall without killing it, but seriously she didn't want to kill it too many of them dead meant that she might get in trouble or something; at least that's what her father had told her once upon a time.

Instead she would just let it be for a while and hopefully before traffic started up it would be all better, still the bricks and such on the ground would need to be cleaned up by someone, and the streets were slightly ruined. It hit her then that she had been careless people would need to fix all of this and she would cause some traffic delays. At least it wasn't a residential area, even though it was close enough that a person might have heard a roar or two it didn't matter that much. Half tempted to leave some money for the people who would come by, she went over to inspect the wall, and read her notes before heading out. Mostly waiting those precious few seconds in between hollow attacks to see if another was drawn by the calls and arrogant slander used in the conflict.

Nearby, a lone male sat, stock-still, as if he were waiting for something. He didn't move, and in fact, if one didn't inspect him closer, might say he was a statue. He didn't move, didn't blink, and didn't even seem to breathe; it was as if he were in suspended animation. Every few moments, however, much to many people's relief, who had thought he had died and stayed still, he would look around quickly. Often, he would get asked by passerby if he was okay, but would simply turn to look at them, not giving them an answer. Despite not seeming to be aware of the outside world, he heard everything going on, with rapt attention. He heard the roars of a beast a few blocks down become shrieks; what he could only assume was a Hollow. He had never encountered one in real life, other than the few times his father forced him to watch. He was even ordered to dispatch a Hollow once, but being able to do no more than see the things made it near-impossible for a human such as himself to achieve such an act.

A ringing sound filled the air, coming from the boy's pocket. All at once, he seemed to snap to reality, taking it out of his pocket, still sitting as straight as a board. He looked at the name, before flipping it open and pressing it to his ear. "Church here." He said, listening on the other side. With his right hand pressing the phone to his ear, his left hand lay balled in a fist on his left side. Listening to the words of the speaker on the other side, it clenched even harder, the knuckles going white, as he listened. "Yes. I'll do what I can." He said, nearly cringing at the profanities said to him on the other side. His eyes looked to the ground for a moment, for a second looking like a child being scolded, as he began slowly speaking again. "Yes, it will be dispatched, if it hasn't been already." He said, knowing full well what that meant. A second later, and the boy flipped his phone shut, standing up as he could put it into his pocket.

The boy was relatively tall, standing at around 6'0 ft. He wore a beanie on top of his head, with a black and red light jacket on his broad shoulders. He walked, the blue jean's, that actually had more of a black-grey hue, creasing and uncreasing. His feet made little to no sound as he walked. He turned a corner, and found himself at a fairly empty street. That's right, it was the other street down. His bad. The boy continued walking,until he came across another street, seeing a large, boar-looking beast with tribal marks and tear drops coming down its mask. The boy walked toward it with purpose, reaching a hand into the pocket of his jacket, unbeknownst to anyone standing by, gripping a knife. He would finally get to destroy a Hollow, meaning he wouldn't get punished for insubordination.

He stopped, however, realizing there was a nearby person. He turned, seeing a female with green hair, standing not too far from the body. He looked between her and the body of the large, still-living creature. He was puzzled for a moment. If she had knocked it unconscious, why hadn't she killed it? He approached the large beast, not getting too close, before speaking out to the woman. "You. Did you do this?" He asked in a demanding way. His voice sounded like cold steel, void of anything but apathy, though a hint of curiosity was found. He sounded like a determined man, rather than a teenage boy, and by the way he held himself, he must have seen himself as a man.

The sounds of the "wild" streets wouldn't ring out a hollows cry sadly, and she had wished to get inspiration for a follower of possibly the real menace behind the story she would eventually write. It was terrible, but alas fate had deemed her unworthy of making another follow up monster perhaps it was for the best as it might get out of hand if more and more kept showing up which might get her scolded or worse dead. She could handle a weakling like that thing but not a horde of stronger ones, and there was always a stronger one. Still saddening that she would have to come up with more to the story, and probably invent some kind of cheesy character to be the main protagonist against the evil beast. Such was the way of an artist, be it with paint or words they always needed something to draw their ideas from, and when nothing happened she had nothing to go on. If she believed that there was a god beyond those whom she had seen fight and die against those whom she could fight as well; she would pray to them.

Prayers she had not prayed might have just been answered. A voice spoke out towards her, a man it seemed like unless it was a really deep voiced female which would be creepy. Turning to face this as of yet identified person she was relieved when it was a man, no dealing with muscle bound idiot weirdo's tonight. Pardon did I do what? Being slightly smug with him, preparing to remount her hat upon her head, so she could move on back to where she was staying for the night. Do you mean the sidewalk and wall? No I am sorry, I did not cause those. Her face was just normal and somewhat friendly she had a bad habit of being a little too tease like with those she had just met even if she would dislike the same treatment from them. Still there was one answer this man probably wanted, and judging how he spoke to her she figured he would want it without the need for mocking or beating around the bush, Perhaps though you don't mean the physical but the metaphysical, in which case yes I did cause 'that'. Still smug and still probably a bother to the man but it was how she wished to speak right now, and hopefully bring up his mood or show more emotions from him.

Still she did feel the need to say she was sorry somewhat, in all seriousness yes since you can probably see what I see, indeed I did cause that hollow to be defeated, but no I did not kill it. She finally put her little notebook away within a pocket and moved finally began to slip her hat back upon her head, moving most of her hair back up to hide underneath it. Question is what are you going to do about it? You seem determined to do something, and you don't seem like a mugger despite you holding a switchblade like that otherwise you would have said "Give me your money!" Or perhaps "reach for the sky!" She laughed a bit at that thought, a mugger would have made this a far more amusing night. Sighing she continued getting over the mugger thought, So then... what's your plan? Going to kill it or something I would use something better than that knife if I were you. Finishing up her little make wardrobe change she began to walk over towards the hollow ignoring whatever it was he would/was doing right now as it would probably be more yelling or ranting towards her; which to be honest she wouldn't mind. The feistier he was the better information she could get for a possible story and maybe even make him the main character.

That would be a riot him as the main character even though she knew nothing about him as of yet aside from his voice and supposed goals that he wished to accomplish. He probably wished to kill the hollow or something that would be interesting killing a hollow for the sake of killing it. She didn't read much from this guy but he could to her assumed knowledge see them so lord knows all he could be just hiding and faking her out. It was a good thing that she had her bow still upon her forearm then as if he was up to no good which he hopefully wasn't. Pulling out her notebook again and reaching out to touch the hollow and write down the various feelings she got from it, she started to make little side notes in between the descriptions to fit in this guys personality and actions. She was always on the prowl for something that could make this world a little bit more interesting and her weapon was that of a pen and paper. Sure she had the cross bow and all those powers but the real weapon was the pen for you could always blast someone away but, gah she got side tracked again she needed to write more. It then hit her, though the thoughts of it would probably be long over she wished to ask this anyway, say what is your name? I know it's a little late to ask but late than never am I right?

What a pain. That was the best way to put it. The boy had been told to kill a Hollow, but for a moment, it seemed as if the woman before him were trying to protect it, judging by the fact she had merely incapacitated it, rather than finished it off completely. He pulled the knife from his pocket, which was surprisingly long for a switchblade. He nodded, seeing as there was no reason to hide it since she had already acknowledged it. He walked over to the Hollow, almost afraid to touch it. His hand was trembling, as he put a hand against the scales, slightly surprised at what he felt. He turned back to the girl, deciding it wouldn't do any harm to answer her question. "My name's Church." He said, giving her his nickname rather than his full name, just in case. If his father had found out he had given out his real name to someone, especially someone spiritually aware, he would have a fit.

Despite what the woman might have thought, or how anyone else would have reacted, the teasing hadn't irritated Church in the least. In fact, it was a welcome change to the stony demeanor he was addressed with by his father and all of his own friends. It was always the same, to Church, so he rather enjoyed the woman's teasing. "And yours?" He asked, as he uncertainly glanced at the Hollow's neck. He had been forced to fight crazed animals before, a form of training his father said, "Will be the closest you get to a Hollow, until you actually encounter one." This was entirely different, though. Not only proportionally, but the fact that if the Hollow awoke, it could kill him easier than a dog could tear out his throat, or a bull could gore him to death.

He knew his knife was sharp, but for some reason, suddenly he got the odd feeling that despite the razor-edge of the blade, it wouldn't do too well against the Hollow. Not because of armor, but because the sheer size of the beast. He would be cutting away at its throat all night, it seemed. He put his hands back in his jacket, somewhat shaking as he tried to figure out what to do. Go back to his father, where he awaited punishment, or kill the beast, that had a chance to kill him if it awoke and saw him sawing at his neck? He looked to the woman's quincy cross, noticing it for the first time. He knew only the barest of the bare bones about quincies, and how they had bows or ranged weapons, which they called crosses. From this, he guessed that she was a quincy, rather than the Shinigami, which he had been given a little more information on.

Church swallowed, his previously-icy demeanor now changed to that of uncertainty. He was still debating what to do. He was partially leaning towards just hacking at the thing, as his father's punishment's sometimes made him want to die. He walked towards it, towards the head, as he placed a hand on the throat. Is there any way he could kill it quicker than hacking at the throat? Perhaps by breaking his mask? Yes, if he recalled right, his father said something about breaking the mask. But how? It looked like it was made of bone, and there was no way that this pathetic little switchblade would be able to cut through it. At least, not very quickly.

Erika, Erika Viligan or perhaps the caped crusader to some... if I had fans. That was a half truth, she did have fans just not for hollow hunting or "saving" others from hollows. Seriously she wished fans for her existed that might mean global awareness to hollows and such; then whole new measures could be taken against them. Sadly no one would probably believe anything other than a story. Most people were too rational to believe the tales about a ghost or haunting outside of some fairy tale. That was just fine as it's what she did for a living and what she loved to write about even before she found out that they were "real". Still her notes now seemed to be getting fuller and fuller and the hollows probable usefulness faded with every word. She knew that she shouldn't really kill it but at the same time she knew that it might kill another just out sheer animal instinct. She supposed it would have to be destroyed by her hands this night but that would mean one soul would never get peace or something. Her father had told her that so in all truth she rarely killed them, unless they would kill her or it was unavoidable due to civilian presence; which thankfully for her wasn't always the case, except for now.

This guys powers didn't seem all that great, he might be hiding them but when she turned to look at him as she finished her notes upon the hollow, his eyes were different. He wasn't hiding anything this time; he looked worried about this beast, the beast that was currently unable to harm him. if he wanted to kill it, that would be fine after all she didn't like to kill them but she wasn't going to yell at someone who did, leave that up to those Shinigami and whatever other being cared. Church though seemed scared despite how he didn't probably want to say it out loud he seemed it. No one would be afraid of this level of hollow unless they were weak to begin with, though that was a rude thing to say, she did happen to think it. Expressing said thoughts however now that was the real challenge in this mess.

She didn't really know this guy aside from his name which seemed pretty interesting by itself, but still she lacked detail. Detail was what she needed to avoid pissing off a slumbering beast, but since he didn't seem to react violently to her little teasing she figured that would be the best option to go with for conversation. Going to stare all day or are you going to stab it's brains out? She stated without a care in her voice, it wasn't cruel, just wasn't insulting either. She stood up from her little leaning position upon the ground she had gathered so many notes on the hollow she wouldn't need any more to complete her project, him on the other hand? She was far from done with him, so pen at the ready she jotted down his name within one of the prepared margins and filled her mind with questions and ways to phrase his possible answers.

Church, if you are going to stab it with that thing, I would recommend you go for the eyes, they are squishy and slightly creepy. No one wishes to look at them so why not get rid of them, plus then if the beast wakes up and starts roaring and flailing about, it couldn't see you. She grinned, Could still smell you though, granted the smell isn't horrible but still it could do it. Trying to pull the conversation back to be less serious she hoped that some advice would be heeded even if she didn't feel that this beast could be taken out by that thing. She didn't even sense that it was something special which made her start to get worried. She had thought about ti before and obviously already given him advice but was this guy for real? Was he seriously going out hunting hollows with a pocket knife without anything special about it? She could be wrong, in fact she figured she was probably 99% wrong but still if she wasn't this wasn't good she didn't wish to witness someone die in front of her.

Before you strike it, might I ask you if that weapon is special at all? Don't explain the powers if you don't wish too but if it isn't too much I would like to know that it's unique... and not hazardous to local persons whom may be wielding it. Freaking smooth as always, but what else could she say without possibly offending or demoralizing. Having to leave the conversation at that, she would keep watch as to his reactions, but more important monitor the hollow should he attack the thing, especially if she needed to be the one to finish the beast off.

Aside from the nervous look, Church kept his face blank when Erika had introduced herself, though inwardly he found her introduction rather funny. Despite his serious face, which he keeps as a facade to fool those into believing he has no emotions, namely one person in specific, he actually had quite a few, it was just hard to display them. But now was definitely not the time. He looked down to the small switch-blade he had, sighing. "No, it's not magical or anything...." He said, sounding somewhat crestfallen from the way he had before. "It's all I have though..." He muttered beneath his breath, possibly loud enough for the lady to hear if she were close. He walked up to the Hollow, moving around so he could reach its eyes. He looked at the knife, before sighing, and throwing it to the ground. It struck the pavement point-up, hitting a crack expertly so it stood straight up, the handle in mid-air.

"I'm supposed to kill it...but I don't know how. And if I don't..." He said, more talking to himself, than to Erika, though he hoped she would have a suggestion. He looked up to her, determination in his eyes, as he asked her a simple question. "I understand if you don't want to, or are too busy, but... could you show me how to kill one?" He asked, staring her straight in the eyes. It seemed rather sudden, especially since he didn't know the woman directly in front of him, but he was determined to succeed, at any cost. If she wouldn't teach him, then he would go about it the hard way he had been planning to earlier, and do like she said, striking for the eyes. He hoped to anything holy and unholy that was listening, to get help. He knew eventually he would be able to fight them, he just didn't know when.

"I can't afford to be weak." He said, after debating on whether or not to tell her the reason. Eventually, he just compromised with himself, and told her part of it. He wouldn't tell her it was because someone wanted him to go on a massive hollow-killing spree; which, essentially, was how he saw it. But at the same time, he couldn't be too weak to not protect himself, were he to encounter an arrancar or anything else that consorted with Hollows and whatever else evil may lay about in Karakura, as that was what he had been tasked with. Keeping the area clear of all evil. Him and his 'employer' both knew that he wouldn't be able to do it now, but for some reason the said person had faith that something was going to happen to Church.

Church laid a hand on the Hollow once more, along the mask, feeling the rough surface. Rather than bony, like he had expected, it felt like a mask modeled from another very hard substance. But then again, he hadn't ever touched the bone of anything that wasn't partially decayed, so that might be what it felt like. He stroked it, marveling somewhat on how the mask seemed to be so smooth, as if it were carved from marble, or some other mineral that shared the same properties.

Erika almost wanted to applaud this guy for what he had said to her. At first she was very surprised about what was said by Church but gradually she came over to the side that would wish to help the man. She didn't really know him but she couldn't stand by at someone seriously was trying to kill Hollows with nothing but a switch blade. That was plain irresponsible of her, and she wouldn't have any part of that news story waiting to happen. "Young man goes missing police have no clue as to his whereabouts" or “parent’s worried sick over missing son, wife struck with grief." No that is not the kind of person that she was or ever wished to become she wished to be one to help others for the sake of... a good story. She wasn't perfect in any regard so lay off but still at least she was willing to help others.

All this while she couldn't help but write down little tidbits about this character. He seemed to be quite amusing seeming cold but deep down didn't believe in him, he was the perfect kind of main character for a monster hunter story. Genuine hero material actually and if he turned out to be a nice man then hell he would be the best kind of hero ever. Imagine it him fighting, oh she was getting side tracked and needed to answer this man’s questions. I surely can show you how I kill these beasts, but I cannot show you how to kill them I am sorry. She stated being as honest as she possibly could with him. It wasn't that she didn't wish to help him quite the opposite it was just that everyone was different, he had to find out what kind of powers his soul had, as he couldn't learn from her powers aside from just some basic tricks and even then it would be a pain to train him without some kind of specialist area.

If only she knew of one that she could use, oh well there were a few question she needed to ask him first if this was to continue. Church I will be frank with you, only you can show you how to kill it. Only you have the power to know how you can kill it. Be it through a special item or powers along the same that I practice that answer is up to you. She held back sighing and hoping that she didn't sound harsh until the end of this little conversation. Church didn't need to hear her frustrated with herself for not being able to fully help aside from acting as a guide and a poor one at that. She wasn't that amazing herself in fact she didn't even believe she could take some of the better Lieutenants of the shini's or even some of the stronger hollows. Now wasn't the time to pout however she needed to figure out how to help him, but where to begin. He wasn't a Quincy.

Church I could attempt to train you in the ways of the Quincy if you wish but... if your path lies elsewhere within the spiritual world I will be unable to help you. I don't know your situation or why you are out here doing one of the most foolish things I have ever seen, but you must be determined and if you are that determined to complete it no matter what the reasons it would be cruel of me to turn you down. She smiled a bit trying to make the mood more relaxed after saying that, by god it might sound like she was hitting on him, when in reality she just wanted more material for a story and to get his motivation; oh and help him get his powers if he was willing even if she didn't know fully how to approach that. it was then that she realized there was a nearly unarmed man next to an unconscious which might be waking up soon, and despite the fact that she didn't like to kill them this one time she would make an exception to her own little rule if only to show him something.

She grabbed her little "cross" and prepared to unleash it once again, considering she totally did do so earlier shut up I remembered to do it! Though it's not a complete answer this is how I kill hollows. The cross bow forming within a subtle glow upon her forearm she aimed at its head and firing out a rose arrow impaled the weakened thing, Bloom The roses petal opened up and the final spirit energy of the blasted thing leaked out, the wound becoming fatal it turned away into nothing vanishing within a cloud of particles never to exist again. Sadly now it's 'dead' forever gone from this world. It’s never a good thing when this happens since these beasts were once human. I learned that the hard way during one of my outings a while ago, so don't you forget it. now she sighed, I sound like a lecturer, maybe we should go somewhere else and should try and get a grasp on your abilities if you have any... of course that is if you are willing to do so I won't force you, and don't expect the best teaching in the world, but I will try my best.

Church nodded at what she said. Something, anything to help him. He just wanted whatever help he could get. "Whatever you could show me would be greatly appreciated. I'll take what I can get." He said, his tone sounding somewhat relieved. And who's to blame him? The Hollow was killed, (And to prevent any punishment, he could just say he did it. After all, the Hollow would merely evaporate soon anyway, so what proof was there?) and he even got pointers on HOW to kill them for future reference. This was probably the best day in his life. (Which, really, wasn't saying all that much.) Church replayed the scene in his head of her killing the Hollow; exactly what she had done, and whatnot. She had called forth her bow, which was mounted on her arm like a crossbow, and fired arrows into it. Was that all quincies did? It seemed rather plain, but as far as he could tell, it was effective if she was able to kill it without seeming to retain even a scratch.

He noticed Erika writing down in a small notebook, especially when he accidentally let his emotions overcome him or show through the rock-hard facade. Was she taking notes on him? Was she in league with his father? It seemed likely, but hell, she had offered to train him. What did he care at the moment? Excitedly, he opened his mouth, realizing what he had said far too late. "Any type of actual training would be good. All my Father does is beat me and expect me to defend myself." He said, his mouth hanging open in shock at what he had just said. He slowly closed his mouth, ignoring the fact that he had just revealed that much. Maybe if he ignored what he had just said, she wouldn't have noticed.

He heard the tone of her telling him how he was the only one who could figure out how to kill Hollow's. Quickly, he spoke again, attempting to make her feel better about not being able to help him like she would want. "No, it's okay. I can only see them for now. It's not expected I coudl be taught much more than how to defend myself." He said, pulling the blade portion back into the switchblade. He put it into his pocket, careful not to let the pull button get caught on anything, else it might release while inside of his jacket.

He listened to her speak of what happened when she killed the Hollow. They were doing a good thing though, right? Killing monsters that would kill other monster's. What did she mean by it's "forevergone from this world"? Church thought that when they died or were purified, all things were gone from this world. Did this mean that quincies sent them to a different place than the Soul Reaper's? If so, where? Church heard her last statement, quickly, shaking his head. "No, it's fine, it's fine. I'll go. My parents will understand if I'm home late." He said. For a second, a flame of giddiness flickered in his head. Perhaps it was something his father would approve of? Him, training in order to become what his father wanted him to be. But, of course, his father would probably just get angry that he was hanging around stranger's and not home where he could get "trained".

It would be a few minutes until they would arrive at a nearby park. The street was a no go since it was damaged to an extreme point. Erika didn't want them to get blamed if someone came by and then things got complicated. Still a nearby park wasn't the best place to set up shop but judging by what people could actually see, they would probably just look like two street performers or something. That was her main goal, even if they looked stupid it was to get him better, plus her arrows were better suited to this area as they wouldn't tear it apart. Training though, such a complicated word that many threw around all the time. Normally training involved physical exercise and all that boring stuff, but nope this time it was more of the mind over matter. He needed to reach into his soul and find what his abilities were, and if that didn't work and he wished for it she could always make him a Quincy... somehow. That road would be even harder than the current one she planned on trying to take him down and she wished to avoid it for that reason. She didn't know how much this guy could take.

He was very interesting though wishing to do this his family must be some kind of hollow hunters or something. That was a bit amusing really, why in the world would people do it there was little to no profit in it, unless it was like the mob and they used their powers for that. Now she was amused with her thoughts, the possibility of teaching a mobster priceless. She might just add that to his character anyway, well the fictional one she was thinking of using as the main hero. Well I am not sure how amazing I will be at this, but this is how I was taught. There is something you desire to protect? A true goal that you wish to get completed, it has to be for yourself and no one else. She held out her finger and shook it a bit, kind of like an angry teacher in class just without chalk and detention powers. If this is for anyone else it won't work. You can't gain powers through the desires of another for your life. You mentioned your father beating you for training? Is he the reason you are out here, if so you must forget about him and focus on what you want to do with it, what you wish to gain from these powers and see within this hidden world. Only when you truly realize what it is that you wish to use as a weapon and what you wish to gain can you ever hope to awaken the power of your soul.

It was a mouthful but Erika wasn't fully done, at least with explanations. The next part of this would probably make him feel bad but it was the quickest way to do it, besides she didn't intend to actually harm him in any kind of way. If he could get through it maybe he could learn his own unique abilities but if not, and he still wanted to continue she would have to take measures that would push him to the edge of sanity. She would have to go back to her old family home and use "that" area to train him, and she didn't know if this guy had the liberty to travel like she did nor the desire to got that far away and be chased by his possible mobster father. Now then I am sorry if this reminds you of anything else, but in order to truly know what you want, and what you truly will use as a weapon against the dead, I am going to have to push you till you have no real option left. I can promise you I won't beat on you for no purpose like you claimed your father has, but I will push you... are you prepared or do you need more time to be ready to engage in this exercise.

She asked at the end, not really out of kindness or concern but because she wanted to see if he wouldn't falter before a proposal that most likely sounded like a serious battle. If he did falter before this challenge then there was no point in asking him to continue since he would never get his own powers unless by luck during a hollow attack, but even then he would probably die before that happened? She wasn't good at this but she wasn't completely ignorant of it either and her father had made it very clear to her just what it took to train at this level, to exceed the physical and go beyond, to so called "punch your body in the privates with your soul powers". She still laughed at that one, but needless to say it was true you had to tell your physical limitations and mind to get out of the way so that you could gain the spiritual. Normally only on the border of life and death would you find them, or at least if you believed that you were on the border of life and death, which is what she would aim for. Making him believe he was doomed and the only way out was the one pure thought that could get him powers.

Church nodded, the fiery determination in his eyes not swaying one bit as the woman spoke. When Erika made it clear she had heard what Church said, well, even then he didn't seem to falter. He searched the recesses of his mind, and frankly, there really wasn't anything he wished to protect. It was kind of sad, but it was the truth. He had no siblings of whom to protect, no friends; essentially, he had nothing but his father. That must be what he had to protect. Although, truth be told, he didn't really feel the need to protect his father. No, like Erika had said, it had to be for himself. But what did Church really fight for? He was angry, about a lot of stuff, but was it worth risking his own life over? Church pondered these things in his mind, before the words of his father, from years ago, broke into his head. His mother. Hollow's had killed his mother, and like his father had said, it was up to him to avenge her; to make sure that such a thing never happened again. He had to destroy all Hollow's for that to happen. Only once the world was entirely cleansed of their taint, would his job be over with.

A renewed steel entered Church's demeanor as he spoke, looking back to Erika as he snapped out of his reverie. "I'm prepared." He said confidently. By the way Erika had made it sound, it seemed like he would be gone for a long time. In the end, he didn't care if he got punished or not. Whatever could help him fulfill his goal in the end would be what mattered. Pain was only temporary, after all; the punishment he would need to endure would be well worth even the chance to get stronger, since the way his father tried making him stronger obviously wasn't working. He vaguely wondered how she was going to train him, and what they were going to start with. Was it going to be hand to hand? Probably not, since most physical attacks didn't seem to work on Hollow's. He wasn't a quincy as far as he knew, though his father did keep hinting about something he would inherit. Was she going to teach him how to use some sort of weapon, or even how to find the Hollow's weak points? The possibilities were endless. While Church knew that she wasn't the strongest person in the world, she was currently the strongest person he knew, unless his father was hiding something; that pretty much put her at #1 in his book; for now, at least.

"Anything you ask of me, I'll do it." he said. He realized from what she said, he would probably take a good pounding. That was, in all actuality, another risk he was willing to take. He reached into his pocket knife, walking to a nearby bench in the park they had walked to. He approved of her choice of location; he had always liked and felt alive when in a park. It was a place of beauty that just seemed to fill him with energy. He pulled out the knife, placing it on the bench, then walking back to Erika's side, looking out to the center of the park, waiting to hear what she wanted him to do next. He was excited for the training; finally, he could go from something weak, and pathetic, into possibly someone/thing that could actually do something.

Spoiler:

Alright then... Her mood would seem to change from a simple "worried" into something far more cunning. Right now she couldn't worry about him that would do him a disservice. She had to be full on brutal at leas for probably what this guy was used to fighting. She didn't know how strong his dad was, probably more powerful than her but judging by how he couldn't train his son to her knowledge he seemed to lack in the parental department. Church obviously had an interest in that which was spiritual in nature so why not let him pursue it? It was denying a person their own choice in life for no reason at least that's kind of how she saw it right now. She could wonder about this all night long and it wouldn't make much of a difference, she needed to actually train him; and to do that she would have to attack in a special way. It wouldn't be easy but hopefully he wouldn't hate her for it.

Well then I shall take my position opposite of you, and not in that sort of way. yes she did try and make a joke, it was the least she could do considering that he was going to hate her probably just like he did his dad in but a few moments. Moving a good twenty feet away from him or about as much; Erika grasped her 'cross' once again, and let the crossbow she oh so loved manifest upon her. It was a simple manifestation that she had done many times, but this guy had never done one, which meant that this might shock him... Okay Church i'm not the best at this I shall warn you right now, well then let the training begin. Dodge. Cool as it may be to have her point it at him with a lightning speed Erika wasn't that talented in the art of being not slow. Still it was probably faster than him which is all that mattered for the moment, and if not then he got to mock her for it.

The crossbow glowing green as she fired a rose arrow towards him aimed at a non vital location, she would dodge off to the left side attempting to 'flank' him. In reality she just wanted to see his reaction to an opponents movements rather than his ability to combat her. An assessment if you will; one with real weapons and real consequences should he fail. Not from her killing him, but from a hollow killing him eventually. She didn't want to have that on her conscious so would push him now, and all that typically hero jazz. Come to think of it this was a bit out of character for her; no matter it did make for a possible script. Back to the combat though her little movements were more of a hoax than anything. If he charged right at her she would just drive him off with a mass shot and tell him exactly what he had done wrong. he didn't have power he couldn't fight so charging head on would mean death. He had to lure her into a trap or perish figuratively speaking. Should he fail this part she didn't know what to really do, it was but a few shots and a dash to the left, but still she didn't know him that well, would he go for the bait and 'die' or would he run and listen to what he felt was right, would he surprise her perchance? It was all up in the air, and she would have to be focused just on him to know how to continue this training session from supposed hell.

Now though as the moments passed it didn't seem like enough. he would probably view it all as an easy going on him, which was a no go. So instead she would plan to prepare another shot, a root shot which was perfect. Why hadn't she thought of it a second sooner all it would do is bind him if it could hit and then she could tell him exactly what she wanted too, which was 'stop being derp'. Of course if he didn't do that like she had mused on already many times within this post; then this shot would be a good test of his ability to deal with being bound. It was almost too perfect of a choice and she had kind of wanted to use the deadly deadly shower of roses that would bloom everywhere and make the park look beautiful if only for a moment. She almost wanted to hit herself for that one. That was the only reason she had made the move, it looked pretty; hell that's why she had made most of her moves they looked pretty or cool! She was so shallow in that regard oh well now she had a plan and a woman with a plan is a deadly thing especially when it doesn't involve a sandwich, though if a joke that appeared she would make him one with poison in it and then run for the rest of her life from the cops. Worth it? Maybe, but only time would tell if he would charge her, or if he would tell her to make him a sandwich. Both were bad options IMO.

Spoiler:

Church watched, as Erika seemed to be caught in her own thoughts for a moment. He was giddy with excitement; well, giddy was really an understatement. I felt almost as if he were going to burst from the gratitude he felt in his body. Of course, he wouldn't let it show; he was a strong man, who feared nothing, and destroyed everything in his path. At least, that's the way he figured he would need to see himself if he wanted to gain the attitude he was sure to attain. Little did Church know, dealing with Hollow's was a more vile affair than he knew; one sure to dissuade most from pursuing such an occupation. Nevertheless, caught up in his youthful innocence, Church made the final plunge into the spiritual world that, in the end, would crack his being and shake his soul. But that wouldn't be for a while yet.

He heard her dirty joke, and stood stunned for a moment, as he tried to comprehend what she said. When he finally understood, however, he couldn't help but crack a smile. He didn't laugh, though the dirty humor did elicit a chuckle from his lips, fading into the night. He watched as she took her opposite side, roughly 20 feet away. He tilted his head curiously, wondering what she was going to do. What Church had thought of as a Training Session was something entirely different than what Erika had in mind. He paused when he saw her summon her cross; a cold sweat breaking out upon his brow at the glowing green weapon.

Was she going to kill him? Was she actually some sick, twisted person hell-bent on psychological torture? Probably not in both cases, but whatever the thoughts may be, Church found her way of training him rather... distasteful. He kept his body loose, expecting to run or attack her when she fired. She couldn't be THAT much more powerful than him, right? He dove when he saw the arrow coming, ironically to his right and her left; the exact direction she was going. When he dove, he tucked his body in somewhat, so the arrow only grazed his back. But that was enough for Church.

Searing pain shot up his body at contact with the spiritual object. It slashed easily through his coat and skin, though leaving the cut somewhat shallow. He had been cut before, but never had he been cut with a spiritual object. When the arrow passed him, it felt as if he were being drained; as if the arrow itself were draining his life force. Little did Church know, due to the nature of the Quincy ability to draw upon the Reishi particles of nearby objects, that was actually the arrow pulling on Church's own reishi, giving him the drained feeling. Gritting his teeth, he kept running directly towards Erika; doing one of the things she would rather him not do. Right at the moment, he had really wished he kept the knife; he hadn't expected to be trained in such a way. But that didn't matter now; he had to use his hands. That was all he had. His coat. Perhaps he could use his coat to distract her and give him an advantage? All it took was to toss it in the air in her direction then follow-up. While it wouldn't be especially hard to see through, it was still somewhat impressive to see someone think of an idea in just a few seconds.

(I'm going to be pulling Church from this Training Thread. Just.. yeah. Lol)