[u]Rio Okotaru Darishimo[/u]

[b]"Huuuu... huuuuu.... huuuu.... ARRRRRHHH!"[/b] [i]Slice![/i] A cry of pure pain and agony poured out of the mouth of a hollow as it was cleanly sliced in two vertically. It's vision slowly split in two before the hollow dissolved into the air. [b]"HU! UGH!"[/b] Rio lugged her body into the air, sheathing her sealed Zanpakuto's before finishing a back flip and landing perfectly onto a tree branch, standing straight as her arms crossed. Her face was flat, no emotion dared to show. [i]'That was the last one'[/i] Three quiet pants escaped through her nose before her breath mellowed. She hadn't even broken a sweat on the mass of hollows that attacked her suddenly whilst she was in the middle of training. She welcomed them however, it gave her a chance to gage how much she had improved since she had gotten herself purposely lost. [b]"Urrgh... Still not good enough"[/b] Launching herself into the air, Rio shunpo'ed, landing on various branches while speeding up, testing just how fast she could move. At this point, she could hardly be seen, only leaving a still after-image behind. [i]'Not fast enough...'[/i] Landing on the highest point of the tallest tree within the forest she grew to know well over a short period of time, Rio scanned over the view. It was beautiful; A mixture of orange and yellow spread across the cloudless sky, met by a line of blue from the sea. Usually, Rio would of admired the stunning horizon, but the beauty never seemed to meet her vision this time... she didn't feel anything but anger and annoyance at herself. [i]'I can't go back... I'm still so weak.... No, I must keep trai-'[/i] Her trail of thought paused for a moment... [i]'What's that.... smell?... I feel like I know this scent... But... I don't... remember'[/i] She sniffed the air as a warm, spicy scent of applewood grew stronger, caressing her nostrils lovingly before... promptly disappearing. Rio continued to sniff but the scent had definitely vanished. Looking around frantically, she was certain that she was alone as she couldn't see or sense anyone what-so-ever. Rio's eyes widened a little, but only for a minute before settling back to normal. [i]'Enough of this'[/i] She shunpo'ed from her spot, resuming her training no doubt.