Salted Earth [Reida, Sumana]

The stage was set. Building a bridge was necessary and Reida was the foundation for that bridge but she had to reach a level higher than any other fullbringer if she was going to understand the connection to hollowkind. Fullbring, as she had come to understand it developed based on the individual's affinity, their experiences, and perceptions. To that end she opted for an approach similar to autosuggestion, like emulates like.

"Reida. You will face Sumana in battle."

She was certain that the historical significance of her former appearance would fill Reida with vigour and negative emotions, the same things felt by a hollow. In order to achieve the intended results and restrict her development to the intended pathway of her hollow side. That is why she had used Tohu to tear off one of her layers of skin and graft it onto Reida, turning her skin up to her neck black and giving the illusion of a hollow hole in her navel.

It was purely cosmetic but why take half measures.

"You will refrain from using your powers when you face her though. You'll use one of my own to face Sumana. This fight will be decided when one of you can't continue, but no decapitation, and I will be overseer."

Safira explained and tore off another layer to manifest as a scale that she hovered into Reida's palm, Esh was going to allow Reida to familiarise herself with the kelipah before bestowing her eighth horn, Hod, onto her so that she could copy the powers from her.

"Crush it and concentrate. Then create a mask from me and begin when ready."

She'd taken steps to allow this to be as close to a deathmatch as possible, even preparing all four of her fruits to be made to allow for her to bring the loser back from the brink of death with expedience. Losing either of them would be a problem.