Kasha broke open the thigh bone of her kill to suck out the marrow, for the meat had long since been devoured. Her kill had taken place during a small foray into the outer district amid the ruins of what must have once been a thriving village. Now it was nothing more than a few huts and lean-to structures built against the broken walls of older stone buildings in various stages of erosion. How she detested the long waits amid the rubble hoping for one of the humans to wander away from the others on some ill fated errand or other.

Pickings were slim these days and it irritated her more and more, causing her mind to obsess a bit over the imbalance between the races, as she gnawed the humorous. Her cave was well situated with clear routes of escape and a wide panoramic view of the landscape before her. It was a fine enough burrow in which to hide herself from detection in some measure of seclusion and yet close enough to reach likely hunting grounds without wearing away even half a day in travel. Or at least it had been. Pickings were slim these days.

She recalled in her youth when the taste of creatures beneath her evolutionary rung had been quite satisfactory and she still indulged herself in such fodder so as to sustain her own existence; still, she craved more. Although the screams of a dying animal could be pleasurable, it lacked finesse and refinement of actual cries and pleas for mercy that came from killing a Rukon. There was a delightful satisfaction in a meal that not only sustained her life, tickled her pallet and brought forth nourishment, but additionally afforded her a measure of revenge as she gazed into eyes that understood what true torment was at last.

Torment. Yes, that was what life was and why should that be?

She pushed the leg bone away and palmed the skull of the man she had eaten toward herself so that she could look into its empty sockets. "What gives you the right to life AND happiness? Who designed your path toward ease and comfort and mine toward hardship?" The eye sockets remained hollow and no voice echoed in her cave to answer this all consuming question.

Batting the silent skull away, she didn't even linger long enough to watch it careen across the cave floor before it shattered against the wall but instead darted outside into the bright of day. There were not enough words in her lexicon to formulate the emotions of rage nor to clearly identify things like inequality, racial oppression, and reparation; she did know that life was upside-down and that someone had to pay.

And so it was she settled into a rolling gate, her eyes scanning the terrain and senses alert to her surroundings, that Kasha prowled the wastelands searching for she did not know what. Answers would never come nor be enough to bring contentment to her station, but in the screams of her next meal perhaps she would fine a way to ease her discontent if only for a short while.

It was YET ANOTHER DAY IN THE DESOLATE AND BARREN WASTELANDS THAT THE HOLLOW CALLED THEIR HOME. However instead of it being a normal day THIS DAY WAS MORE LIKE NIGHT. Although an even more accurate statement was that it was PARTIALLY NIGHT. Because at this very moment THE SUNSET WAS OCCURING AND WAS CHASING AWAY THE BRIGHT OF DAY (too bad Ryuu wasn't able to go off into the sunset on this particular day). SO IN REALITY IT WAS YET ANOTHER DAY THAT WAS MORE LIKE NIGHT BUT IS THE BEGINNINGS OF A SUNSET.

But despite it being neither night nor technically day, Ryuu was happy with how the sunset was turning out. It was nice. Plus it was warm. It was even giving off a wide variety of pretty colors that went well with the blood of the hollow corpse that Ryuu was currently holding onto and dancing with.

Similiar to a monkey in it's general shape, the creature had found out the hard way that Ryuu was a lot more dangerous than he looked. And so he had paid a dear price for this mistake. HE HAD LOST HIS ABILITY TO LISTEN TO RYUU'S WONDERFUL SINGING VOICE. For after killing the hollow, Ryuu had suddenly found himself with a sudden urge to get jiggy with it. AND WHERE WAS THE FUN OF GETTING JIGGY WITH IT WITHOUT A DANCE PARTNER. And so the hollow corpse had soon found itself volunteered for Ryuu's DISCO DANCE OF DEATH SALSA DANCE OF SMILES.

BUT SUCH A DANCE WOULDN'T BE COMPLETE WITHOUT MUSIC. And thus Ryuu had taken it upon himself to sing while he danced his SALSA OF SMILES. Welcome to the grand illusion, come on in and see whats happening. You payed the price and now you get to stick around for the show. The players are set, the story's happening. Suddenly your heart is pounding, wishing secretly you were the star. Don't be fooled by the...tales of fear, the Rukons or the Shinigami. They give you all of these rules of how your life should be. But its all in their own fantasy. So if you think your life, is complete confusion, because you can't win their game. Just remember that it's a grand illusion. Because deep inside they are all the same. THEY'LL BLEED THE SAME.

And so if anyone were to see Ryuu dancing around in the middle of a area known for being the home of thousands of bloodthirsty cannibalistic monsters, they would find him singing and dancing (suprisingly well) with a hollow corpse (in addition to taking a bite or two out of it mid-dance). BECAUSE ROCK AND ROLL NEVER DIES AND RYUU WAS BORED ENOUGH TO SPONTANEOUSLY BURST INTO SONG AND DANCE. Not to mention that all of his AMAZING MUSICAL TALENTS were making him a bit hungry.

It was the singing that captivated her attention long before she caught sight of the strange being before her. Kasha, of course, knew what singing was. She had interrupted many a merry melody in her time and the sound of it caused her to lick her lips. Singing was what Rukon's did when they were happy. Squashing the happiness of such folk had become her particular cross in life to bear. But then someone had to make the difference in this thing called life.

So it was with careful attention to the placement of her feet, that she began to creep closer. Each step was absorbed through the thick pads of her paws and each muscle worked in tandem as she peered into the growing shadows of the evening. But then something was off as the words began to be distinguishable.

Rarely had she heard such a song that spoke to her of joyous things and, as she neared, a sense of wonderment began to grow inside. With the colors of the setting sun spilling round upon the landscape, a sense of the surreal was easily achieved. Overlaying the whole scene was the increasing odor of fresh blood.

When Kasha came close enough to finally view this wasteland minstrel, she froze in place and just stared. Her mind was fluttering with a myriad of questions to try and reconcile what she was seeing with the years of experiences she had to make some sort of sense of it all.

There he was, the physique of the singer was clearly that of a male and yet he was unlike any she had seen before. She was expecting to see a Rukon Citizen but they usually didn't behave in such a grisly fashion. This one was eating a Hollow; at least that is what the corpse resembled more than any other beast. The behavior screamed Hollow to her but what was this glee?

He didn't eat as one crazed by starvation; she knew that behavior could become altered under such circumstances. No, he took time to play with his food, something she found quite pleasurably too, only he seemed to have missed the obvious in that his prey was now dead. What was the point of all this jostling about then? And then there was the general look of the being that disturbed her.

She had never seen an Arrancar before and his humanoid aspect threw her off completely. Were the Rukon Citizens driven to such hard times as to seek Hollows out as a source of food now? That just didn't fit the image she had taken of them from her last forage into the outer district. No, this one was different somehow and regardless of his race, he clearly was no weakling. She licked her lips and pondered what to do in this unexpected encounter.

And sing and dance Ryuu did, BECAUSE IT WAS FUN not to mention that it would be a crime to deny the world of an oppurtunity to see him get down with his bad self. Which is why Ryuu's record was spotless (not counting all of the horrible horrible things that he did for fun on a daily basis). But paradox of the previous statement aside, RYUU WAS NEARLY FINISHED WITH HIS SALSA DANCE OF SMILES. In fact that dance was one of Ryuu's best attempts yet. "I should dance with the corpses of my kills more often." Ryuu thought to himself as his DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION OF DESECRATING THE DEAD CAME TO A DREADED (and alliterative) DECLINE.

Immediately dropping the corpse during the final dance move, Ryuu noticed that he was being watched by another adjuchas and decided to be a bit showy. Perhaps it would lead to the adjuchas NOT trying to rip his throat out and then unzipping his skin to wear like a little coat (always an unappreciated but nice part of any day). "Thank you. Thank you. Feel free to give as much applause as you deem fit." Ryuu said with a few showy bows (while still keeping his eye on the adjuchas just in case).

"And another round of applause for my great assistant." Ryuu said before quickly picking the corpse up and bending it over a few times to simulate a bow. Waving at the adjuchas while using his free hand to make the hollow corpse do the same Ryuu then said, "I can assure you that you won't see a show like this anywhere else." before pushing the corpse back onto the ground.

"So how are you doing during this fine evening?" Ryuu asked the adjuchas with a lighthearted and kind smile. Undoubtedly the adjuchas was in awe at his awesome dancing abilities. In fact Ryuu had a feeling that she was so awestruck that she would ask for dancing lessons from such a great dancing master such as himself. And then Ryuu would loo down and whisper 'OF COURSE YOU CAN' (it would be a very loud whisper. Most likely on the point of shouting). And then Ryuu could use this as a base to teach more adjuchas about his awesome dance skills. Then when Ryuu had taken enough adjuchas under his wing, RYUU WOULD START A DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION IN ORDER TO TAKE OVER THE WORLD (insert maniacal laughter here).

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And then there was three!


Andra finds himself drawn toward the soothing stylings of a Neil Patrick Harriss-esque voice. Andra always had appreciated music since becoming an Arrancar. It was rather calming, and it seemed to help him think more. So, almost unof his will, Andra wanders over to the source. Just like the Adjuchas had, Andra expects to find a Rukon. But instead it seems he finds himself encountering Ryuu, once again. He decides to let Ryuu finish up and that's when Iyashii pokes her head in. After a few minutes, he notices the singing had came to a hault and Ryuu was now asking the Adjuchas of how her evening was unfolding thus far. Andra steps into the light, revealing his appearance to the two while he called out to announce himself, "Hello, Ryuu.. I didn't know your voice could be so, soothing.." Andra steps in, coming up from behind Ryuu and he passes him up almost without even a glance. Andra approaches the Adjuchas, kneeling down in front of it if he was able to make it that far. Extending out an open palm in greeting, the Arrancar tested the nature of this Adjuchas. It was a long shot, but Andra had already derived from Iyashii that it was either analyzing Ryuu for attack, or was truly friendly.

Will it sniff, or will it bite?

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Kasha continued to stand as a statue, or rather one transfixed by the sight of a spectacle outside the realm of her known reality, as she watched the little man performing the motions of one thrashing his prey to death. Only he hadn't stopped once death was achieved and it was that waste of energy that kept her so enraptured.

She scented the air trying to discern if he was rank with madness, for there were times that an altered body chemistry caused one to exude a peculiar odor. The nostrils upon her snout created the only motion visible upon her person as they flared wide and retracted in slow pulsating repetitions. An odd flavor was in the wind hidden within the flavorful aroma of blood; could that be what she sought?

And then the oddest thing occurred; he dropped his kill to the ground as though, once he realized it was dead, the corpse had ceased to hold any attraction for him. This precipitated yet another oddity as the man began to address her with broad sweeping arm motions and curious bobbings of his body. Kasha stepped out from between the meager cover of twisted trees to stand before him at a distance of at least 20 yards.

SPOILER: Click to show

Please forgive this error. Andra must have snuck in a post while I was composing for his reply was not there during that time. I did not read the thread after posting or enter it as I was awaiting Crazy's name to appear outside the thread to indicate he had replied being unaware that another had joined. I shall have to be more aware in the future for I never would have ignored another in this manner on purpose.

His reattachment to the corpse as he picked it up and used its arm to wave at her caused her to tilt her head at an odd angle. His assertion that she would never see another show like this caused her to think, "Undoubtedly true". In the dwindling light his antics took on an unreal aspect which was only acerbated by his question.

"I find myself to be confused; is this thrashing about an attempt to tenderize the meat?" She was cautious in keeping her distance from him but at the same time she did not scent any immediate danger signals from him that would cause her to fight or flea for her life. All in all she felt it was safe to tarry for the moment. That was until she saw another of the strange creatures appear.

This man called the first Ryu. Clearly they knew each other and she began to get a sick feeling that this side show in the forest was a trap she had walked right into. She had been mesmerized by Ryu and his corpse rituals and, as the late comer approached, her black lips began to ripple into a soundless snarl revealing her fangs.

And then the strangest thing occurred; he knelt before her in a show of submission and extended his hand as an offering. The gesture was offensive to her to say the least. When she spoke her voice came out as more of a snarl than anything. "What are you that you should solicit entry into my pack in such a manner?" Clearly these new creatures were touched in the head. Or were they? Where were the rest of their numbers? Surely there were more waiting in the wilderness.

[note: light blue = thought, orange = speech]

SPOILER: Click to show

Okay I fixed my post up now. And its completely fine Iyashii. There's no need to worry about it.

A WILD ANDRA APPEARED. It seemed that the arrancar was quite good at finding him. Of course that could mean only one thing. ANDRA WAS STALKING HIM. Next the fiend would undoubtedly try to lure him into his van cave with promises of free candy. AND THEN HE WOULDN'T GIVE RYUU ANY OF THAT CANDY. Somewhat suspicious of Andra and his stalking ways, Ryuu decided to keep things calm for now. Giving a nod of greetings along with his usual smile to the arrancar. Ryuu watched as Andra risked getting mauled and possibly maimed (or killed) by putting his hand near the adjuchas's face. But at the very least it would be entertaining to watch and would undoubtedly elicit a chuckle later on. Not to mention that Ryuu would be able to call dibs on all of Andra's possessions.

But then the adjuchas asked a question instead of biting Andra's face off. SHE COULD TALK. SHE COULD TALK.IT WAS A WASTELAND MIRACLE. Undoubtedly they could become a traveling comedy troupe (cannibalistic wolves that could talk were all the rage this year). But then of all of the worst possible things that could happen, THE...WORST...POSSIBLE...THING...EVER happened to Ryuu's plan. For he deduced that based on the adjucha's confused reaction to his dance moves, SHE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT DANCING WAS. Without the knowledge of being able to get jiggy with it THEIR ENTIRE SECOND ACT WAS RUINED.

Focusing on that problem more than on her current question of what he and Andra were. Ryuu's thought process eventually brought him onto that topic when he said, "We're Arrancars." in response to her question. UNDOUBTEDLY THIS BRIEF ANSWER WOULD CLEAR UP ANY DOUBTS TO WHAT MIGHT OTHERWISE BE AN IN DEPTH EXISTENTIAL MONOLOGUE ON WHAT THEY WERE AND HOW DIFFERENT THEY WERE FROM THE SHINIGAMI AND RUKONS. Because those could be boring and Ryuu would rather spend his time dancing with the rotting caracasses of his recent victims. Or eating them. Or both as he had just demonstrated.

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Andra raises to his feet, his eyes remaining fixated upon the Adjuchas beast. He begins to conduct a full-on analysis. His eyes examine the creature's structure, taking in not just muscle tone, but the overall everything. Andra was good when it came to breaking down an opponent in his head. The Arrancar notices something among her teeth and claws, another defense or perhaps even offense, the bone quills. It was a hard observation to make for the Arrancar but upon making it he takes a step back. Well, more than a step, he withdraws back to Ryuu's general area, only to then finally give Iyashii his retort, "Ryuu speaks true. We are Arrancar, we are the incarnate of power itself -- the epitome of growth within the Hollow race. In short, we are the image of the same potential hidden deep inside your very self. Since I, and my associate, have answered you. You will answer a question from each of us."

Andra momentarily pauses and glances at Ryuu, "If you do not mind, I'd like to go first." And with that, the red-eyed devil returns his gaze to the Adjuchas and asks, "Why have you not attacked-" he pauses once more and begins a new, "- pardon, let me rephrase that: Why did you not attack when I was within pouncing range?" Andra doubted it was fear, and as well he doubted it was friendly, both deductions made from the emotion displayed in her face and tone of voice. Maybe it was smart? A tactician. After all it resembled a wolf, a rather smart creature among this realm and with a rather devious cunning to match as well.

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Kasha too appraised the proclaimed Arrancar that had as yet to be named. His demeanor was much more worthy of those tales she had heard of these so called evolved creatures. Whereas Ryu presented visible proof that he was a killer, his actions did not fit the picture of the ever alert predator of the wastelands and top of the food chain. And it was this incongruity between the visible proof of his killer instinct and the bizarre behavior she had witnessed which made her pause in confused reflection upon first laying eyes upon him. And here was yet another of those mysterious and dipole creatures exhibiting more unexplained actions.

This one knelt before her in supplication as though declaring him the weaker between herself and he and yet when he rose to his feet again he presented classic predatory behavior. Clearly these Arrancar used such tactics to throw off their prey and this was how they had risen to their imposing stature.

"Arrancar" , she repeated in a low tone of voice. This is what she would one day become? The notion was appalling to say the very least. To think that she would one day become what she ate? Her beautiful body stretched into an upright and gangling bipedal freak? She shook her head with one quick jerk, horizontally to the ground, and set her jowls flapping softly against her fangs. Life was to eventually screw her again if this one was to be believed. She narrowed her eyes seeing that he was at least as curious about her as she was about them. Trickery though; the first acted a fool and could kill and the second acted submissive and then demonstrated he was ever watchful and calculating. She could not afford to overlook either one of them upon what she could see. She must tread lightly and perhaps salvation would be hers.

"One does not live long in this would by recklessly devouring all that they see. I confess that you both are the first of your kind I have met and I would know more, if such might be." But why did she need this information? The only thing plausible would be to gain power and dominance over the world around her; that would be believable. They would not know she already possessed those things and that she sought to protect what was hers. She desired to remain whole and sanctified as she was born to be. If she could but learn how they were changed then it would be a fate she could avoid.

"Long have I searched for your kind having heard the tales of Hollow Evolution. I would learn how this is to be." And although it caused the bile to rise into her throat, Iyashii Kasha knelt upon the ground until she was completely prone before them and lay her head between her feet. She could not be cursed with this fate to be so puny and prance about the world on but two spindly legs, but by the dead ones this action did stick in her craw!

AND IT TURNED OUT THAT ANDRA WOULDN'T HAVE HIS FACE MAULED OFF BY THE HOLLOW. It was kind of sad really. To see such a golden oppurtunity in the wastelands go to waste. But all puns aside, Ryuu had to admit that it wasn't everyday when an adjuchas would refuse to rip the face off of someone who appeared to be so vulnerable.

Watching Andra back away before the adjuchas changed her mind, Ryuu made a rather exaggerated eye roll as Andra gave his speech on what arrancar were (behind his back of course). Quickly going back to his standard grin by the time Andra glanced at him, Ryuu soon grew bored and began to poke the corpse with a stick as Andra asked his question.

Paying a bit of attention Andra's question and the response that it gave off, Ryuu brought the corpses arm up and took another bite (he was hungry) before wiping his face off and making an about face so he was facing Andra and the adjuchas. Looking at the adjuchas who had decided to kneel before the two of them, Ryuu barely managed to stop himself from rolling his eyes. "Andra must really like this Adjuchas." Ryuu thought to himself as he picked up some clues about the Adjuchas based on her body language and his unique talent in reading it.

He could tell that she was more or less disgusted with something. Plus he could see that she was also a bit suprised about something. But Ryuu could also see that there was also determination. Perhaps she was in fact telling the truth about how she wanted to become one of them but was disgusted with how she had to humble herself. Or perhaps it was something else entirely. Reflecting on this for a moment, Ryuu was soon distracted because some of the corpse that he had just taken a bite out of was STUCK IN HIS CRAW.

"Well I suppose it's my turn to ask a question." Ryuu stated out loud. What kind of question would it be. Would Ryuu attempt to find out more about Iyashii's history. Or perhaps what kind of skills she had. Or maybe it would be a question that would allow Ryuu to learn more about her world view. OR MAYBE IT WOULD EVEN BE HER NAME. "Are you good at improv or any other type of comedic routine?" Ryuu asked the adjuchas. BECAUSE A TRAVELLING COMEDY TROUPE WOULD BE FUN AND RYUU WOULD NEVER GIVE UP ON THE DREAM. WITH HARD WORK AND DETERMINATION (plus a good song and dance number) THEY COULD SAVE THE SECOND ACT OF THE ROUTINE.

Where in the hell was Ryuu? Shi did not believe it possible but lo and behold, the damned confusing Arrancar was hard to track down. Namely as frankly, Shi wasn't about to just show the man where one of his primary dens were. He had a few makeshift ones, but the problem of course was finding him. A difficult task when any a Hollow wanted to make a meal out of the small and not so intimidating Shi.

Granted, after the last one was reminded of the full might of the Arrancar race, Shi continued on. Thankfully though, as he walked with blood staining his tattered garb, mostly from cleaning his own blade, luck befell Shi. Both good and bad. For there was Ryuu it seemed as he crossed the hill, only from what Shi could tell he was talking to an Adjuchas and of course, Andra. Was someone having a laugh at him? The damned arrogant Arrancar was everywhere it seemed.

"Like a rusted piece of metal that's stuck in your eye," he murmured to himself, focusing solely on the Adjuchas and for good reason. Out of the trio of speakers, he figured the unknown Adjuchas was the most likely to catch wind of him, as he was sadly within range of any Adjuchas' nose. Though as it was not his blood on his body, they would likely mistake him for another Adjuchas at least as he slowly approached, only from Ryuu's back and to keep Andra in his sights.

_________________

Andra took in the reactions, stances or simply, overall movement. She showed restraint, and she showed respect by answering him in return. Andra continues to analyze the Adjuchas. She was turning out to be a ..rather potential subject. As Ryuu asked his trivial question, Andra broke his observation briefly to give the area a look about. Iyashii could have been traveling in a pack Andra thought. Though after spotting much of nothing in the likes of a wolf he retracts his gaze back unto the Adjuchas. Andra begins wondering what the age of the Adjuchas might be. Hopefully a ripe one. It was hard to determine an age on looks alone, Andra was a perfect example of that. One of the oldest Hollow to date and he looks as young as a twenty year old human. He gave it a second, trying to make out at least an estimate. But even when coming to conclusion, it did not suffice for him. He would just have to ask and hope it knew at least half it's years of life. After all, Andra could only recount so many of his own years. Some are just a faded cloud of rage and bloodlust.

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Kasha has stayed upon the ground just about as long as her pride would allow while she was waiting for a response to her answer and none was forthcoming. Such a pose was one she had not assumed for many a long time. Would she profit from this encounter? There had been a time in her youth when she would never have bothered to investigate before moving in for a kill. She bore the constant reminder of what such rashness could bring in the form of a scar across her left eye-socket; only quick reflexes had saved her from losing the orb completely. Still, enough was enough and she raised her head from the ground to assuage her pride a might.

She had not been prepared for Ryuu's odd question though. Her eyes turned toward him as she pondered his words. Comedic routine? This caused her to huff out air through her nose slightly as though amused. Was not this whole encounter one huge joke that life had decided to play upon them all? What game did this Arrancar play? She found little to be amused about nor did she take time to be entertaining; to whom would she perform? Such things were foreign to her as they hinted at having acquired even a meager bit of a social life. Of this she certainly had none.

And yet when she spoke her voice did hold a mote of gry humor in it, such as one might exhibit through the use of mild sarcasm. "I suppose the Fates find much to be amused about concerning my antics." And as if answering some sort of preset cue, the Fates stepped in to open the next act, for it was then that fresh air currents brought her the scent of blood once more. Her eye tracked easily toward the origin of this new odor and she rose fluidly to her feet. Kasha became wary once more knowing that her earlier suspicions that others were about were indeed correct. She should have by-passed Ryuu and his odd little song and dance routine from the outset, for here she was outnumbered with the odds against her rising by the moment. There was nothing for it but to stay her course in the hopes her ploy would bear fruit rather than decay. "But I see the number of players has risen once again. Tell me, just how many are there in your pack?"

Watching the adjuchas give what seemed to be an amused exhalation of breath, Ryuu smiled. SHE WAS OBVIOUSLY EXPERIENCED IN THE ART OF COMEDY. Now all Ryuu would need to do was convince her to join his years in the making comedy group that he had just come up with several minutes ago. NEXT HE WOULD NEED A DIDGERIDOO AND HE WOULD BE IN BUSINESS.

Plus it appeared that she had prior experience. SHE PLAYED FOR THE FATES THEMSELVES? Ryuu was pretty sure they were a trio of wizened old crow hollows that didn't have any sense of humor (plus it would explain the scar across her eye.). IF SHE WAS ABLE TO AMUSE THEM THEN SHE WAS OBVIOUSLY A PROFESSIONAL. "Great to hear. I have heard that they are notoriously hard to entertain." Ryuu said with a smile. He would eventually attempt to recruit the adjuchas into this group. But not in front of Andra.

For Ryuu had a feeling that the arrancar would try to prevent this in favor of getting the adjuchas to agree to joining HIS comedy routine (whoever heard of peace between hollows and shinigami anyway). BUT RYUU WOULD NOT ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN. HE WOULD DEFEND THIS DREAM OF HIS THAT HE HAD JUST COME UP WITH TO THE DEATH. Someone else's to be exact BUT STILL TO THE DEATH.

But then the adjuchas commented that someone else was drawing near. WHY WAS EVERYONE TRYING TO STALK HIM TODAY? Giving a quick look around and failing to notice Shi (who still wasn't within eyesight at the moment) Ryuu turned around and asked the adjuchas, "What are you talking about? I don't see anyone." But then Ryuu realized the other portion of her statement and quickly said, "Plus I'm not really part of a pack. Andra here is an acquantance." However this did explain why the adjuchas was so defensive. And why she had just humbled herself by kneeling before the two of them earlier. She thought that she had just fallen into a trap and was afraid.

"This might become a lot more fun." Ryuu thought to himself as he maintained his usual benevolent smile.

Shi observed the trio as he slowly approached, pausing to stop in his tracks and cock an eyebrow. Did the Adjuchas notice him already? He could tell there was movement a little bit, or at least, the change in posture of the Adjuchas indicated such. Clearly they had a strong sense of smell and Shi gave them that much in terms of strength and merely stood back to observe, actually honing in on Andra.

A surprise attack was out of the question, the Adjuchas would no doubt draw attention to him and thus, give away the element of surprise. Not that Shi entertained the thought of a victorious and successful assault, he was more focused on merely approaching Ryuu and keeping Andra within spitting distance. And seeing that the element of surprise was lost as he resumed his approach, he opened his mouth and called out.

"You have a strong sense of smell Adjuchas, better than most Arrancar it seems," He stated, glancing at his two fellow Arrancar. Frankly, the fact that neither one seemed to notice him or tried to pay attention was a bit saddening in Shi's mind. Then again, the loss of the excellent senses of an Adjuchas was part of the cost to become an Arrancar. "And what is going on here exactly?"

And given his bloody clothes, none of which was his judging by the sheer amount, he would look rather out of sorts. Shortest of the Arrancar, yet with a completely deadpan expression.

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Andra nearly came to with laughter when the Adjuchas had mistaken them as a pack. Andra shakes his head softly as a grin pierces into view. "Sadly we are not a pack, each of us have constructed different views that is preventing the formation of something as strong as a pack. It truly is a shame. Because combined, we could create a force unseen in this land." As Shi revealed his presence, Andra came to swiftly with a response to his question, "Well, we were having a conversation.. now I am assuming we'll be fighting for our lives." Andra's sickly cold gaze casts unto Shi and with the flames of battle brewing deep in his eyes. Surely no one has witnessed a gaze so scorchingly cold in their life.

Andra 's fists clenched into a tight balls just as quickly as he makes way toward Shi. As he approaches Shi, it was an odd approach, the red-eyed devil was not darting head on, instead he was coming off to the right. And just when reaching Shi, another odd thing occurred. He did not strike him, but instead kept running ahead. Where was he going?

Suddenly, high in the sky, the noise of high-pitched squawking begins ringing out onto the land. A small cluster-fuck of hollow vultures had been tailing Shi. Presumably from the scent of blood on his clothing. And unlike the lazy animal breed, these did not circle dead prey. They circled live ones. There are six in total. Two small, slender ones and four average-sized suckers. The two smaller ones were identical in coloration as well as in appearance, if examined closely, it would appear that their feathers are tipped in a dark purple that compliments the lighter shades and hues of purple scattered along their bodies. The other four were normal looking, brownish-red with tan beaks and goggle-like hollow masks. It should also be noted that the noise emitting at such a high-pitch is being released by the four larger Adjuchas.

Andra kneels down after narrowing in on the pack of birds. He picks up a baseball shaped rock and hurls it heftily at one of the birds. With decent precision and enough strength he would be able to crack a beak or even mask, but his attempt is put to shame has the birds easily evade with slight maneuvering efforts. Quickly it seemed they regain formation, circling everyone. Andra was just about to pick up another projectile rock when the fleet of Adjuchas disperse each into packs of three, with the smallest as the head in their flight pattern. Momentarily he gives the two packs a brief watch, noticing they were fleeing. Probably at the sight of so many high-leveled enemies. The Arrancar breaks into a dash with having come to a decision on which of the two to tail. He wanted information and he was going to be damned if he'd let it get away.

[exit]

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Edited at Moderator's request

SPOILER: Click to show

As per the decision here, Dect's post needs editing. If it isn't edited within two days, post will be retconned and Dect will be exited per activity rules.

Listening to Ryuu, something occurred within Kasha's being that rarely had been exhibited before; she laughed. The laughter found voice in the form of small gusts of air rushing forth from deep in her chest sounding more like unto quick successive pants rather than humored vocalizations. The Arrancar actually thought she had performed for The Fates? Clearly he lacked a sense of sarcasm as progressive as her own. To her much that was deplorable about the world could only be endured through her jaded sense of irony.

If this meeting in the wilderness was not full of irony, she did not know the meaning of the word. Certain that she had fallen into some sort of trap, she became a bit calculating in her demeanor hoping to profit from the steadily worsening numbers that were accumulating against her. These 'evolved beings' gave away much. They were not working in conjunction with one another; in fact two of them seemed to be slightly antagonistic toward each other. She noted Andra's hostile motions as he approached the newcomer and then the situation seemed to rapidly change with the arrival of the flight of Adjuchas.

Kasha growled deep in her chest when the flighted-ones descended upon them, arching her back and lowering her head. The spines about her shoulders and head raised in a menacing fashion as she took a defensive stance waiting for her chance for one to fly low enough for her to attack. It was with a certain bit of astonishment that she watched them all scatter and Andra take off after their fleeing forms.

She turned her head back toward the newcomer and raised her head, though her spine remained frilled about her shoulders and head. She ignored his comment about her sense of smell; no sense in confirming what was readily apparent. And yet, she made comment on the obvious as a means to advance the dialog. Perhaps this Arrancar would also reveal something worth knowing. "I take it those were not friends of yours either?"

And Ryuu had once again showed off his amazing comedic genius. FOR HE HAD MADE SUCH A TALENTED COMEDIAN AS IYASHII LAUGH. After all, if his banter could impress such talent THEN RYUU WAS READY TO TAKE HIS SHOW ON TOUR. Although he would still need to come up with an actual act. That and find other comedians to join him. BUT THOSE WERE TRIVIAL FACTS THAT COULD BE DEALT WITH AT THE LAST MINUTE.

THEN A WILD SHI HAD APPEARED. It's nature obviously being "Very Angry" Ryuu watched as Andra approached Shi with FIRE IN HIS EYES. But it was not a normal fire. No this was a COLD FIRE OF...well it would probably be of warmth if it was a combination of ice and fire. BUT SONGS WOULD BE SUNG OF THIS COMBINATION AND MAYBE FORM A VERY GOOD STORY OF POLITICAL INTRIGUE AND OTHER THINGS IN THE FUTURE.

Taking a few steps back to give the two some space to murder each other violenly, Ryuu reached into his bag of candied eyeballs and popped one into his mouth. Chewing on his snack as he watched the show start, Ryuu was then faced with DISAPPOINTMENT. For instead of killing each other for his (and possibly Iyashii's) amusement, he went off to chase a bunch of vultures.

"Well I just made a new friend." Ryuu said in answer to Shi's question. Because they were going to be best friends and would go off to start THE BEST COMEDY TROUPE EVER. And then they could stay up late and tell scary stories. Plus they could eat shinigami alive in front of the shinigami's loved ones. Then they could cook s'mores and start a karaoke tournament TO THE DEATH.

Facing his new bestest friend (despite the fact that neither of them had introduced themselves and she thought that Ryuu was planning on eating her alive) Ryuu then answered her question by saying, "No. Though I am curious about what Andra will do once he catches up to the birds." BUT SADLY THIS DEEP QUESTION WOULD BE SOLVED ON SOME OTHER DAY.

Shi was already selecting the muscles to cut and the tendons to sever when he noticed something odd. Andra's approach was not that of an assailant. He had a different target, and a quick turn revealed what and who. And the subsequent attack and seeming driving of the unknown flock away caused Shi to narrow his eyes, mostly in anger at himself for allowing himself to be tracked. A mistake he had made, and one that would not be repeated. It was unbecoming of an Arrancar; one who had not only the intelligence of a man but also the form yet the strength, speed, and durability of a Hollow.

"Vultures," he spat out, narrowing his eyes in irritation. One of the more difficult opponents any ground-based Arrancar and Adjuchas would have trouble with, himself included. In fact, if not for their fleeing, Shi knew damn well that he would have to resort to his ressurrecion in order to fight them.

Thankfully, Andra's stone got rid of two problems; the flock and Andra himself with his pursuit, no doubt paranoid or perhaps just irritated that they had come and interrupted him. Shi didn't know, and frankly could care less as long as they got rid of Andra. "Whatever it is that Andra does. And a friend? Since when does any Hollow make a friend?" he questioned, gaze focusing on the Adjuchas, sizing them up swiftly. And of course, foregoing the thought of actually introducing himself. But that is what the socially aware and cultured would do.

Kasha was quite confused by the events as they unfolded before her. Friend did he say? This Ryuu was certainly strange having reached a point in their time together in which he would call her friend. Or perhaps he was being shrewd in dealing with this new comer so as to give him the impression of stumbling into the company of two possible opponents who wold work together against him should things turn toward violence. She saw no reason, as yet, to disabuse the man with the white hair and so made no objection to being labeled thus by Ryuu. There was much to be gained, at times, by keeping one's mouth shut.

And yet she defied that old axiom and ventured out into the unknown quite boldly by opening her mouth. "Yes indeed, since when do Hollows make friends. And look at what that attitude has gotten us; the lovely Wastelands to call our own. Perhaps if we were more like those whom we despise and actually formed friendships we would then be powerful enough to claim what is rightfully ours.

Smiling just a little bit wider given that Iyashii hadn't denied his statement, Ryuu began to wonder why she hadn't. Did she have something to gain from keeping her mouth shut. OR MORE LIKELY SHE HAD SEEN HOW AWESOME RYUU WAS AND THEY WERE NOW REALLY BFF'S. If they truly were BFF's then that meant that Iyashii would definitely join Ryuu's COMEDY TROUPE OF AWESOMENESS.

BUT THEN SHI DOUBTED THE MAGIC OF FRIENDSHIP (no suprise there) BY QUESTIONING THE HOLLOW'S ABILITY TO MAKE FRIENDS. Before Ryuu could reply with one of his signature witty retorts, IYASHII PROVED HER FRIENDSHIP BY STICKING UP FOR HIM. Truly they had become best friends even though they only met a few minutes ago and didn't even know each other's names at all.

Exactly. You see I also used to wonder what friendship could be. Until it shared its magic with me. There were big adventures and tons of fun. Growing a beautiful heart that was faithful and strong. There was sharing kindness it was all an easy feat. And magic helped me believe." Undoubtedly this would help Shi realize the power of THE MAGIC OF FRIENDSHIP. But for now Ryuu would pass the time and munch on another one of his candied eyeballs. Popping the delicious morsel into his mouth, Ryuu held out his bag of candied eyeballs and asked, "Anyone else want some. I made them myself."

Shi blinked once. Twice. And thrice. And then a final fourth time before wondering if somehow this unknown Hollow had a switch to flip on the inside of her head to act like Ryuu. What on earth was there to gain from this so called friendship? What was it's purpose, it's use, it's very nature? Shi did not see the point in it. He survived well enough on his own, and frankly couldn't see how a friendship could do the same. It didn't register in his mind, after all, he had grown up through hell and survived by his own power and strength. No one's help, but his own guts and determination and intelligence.

Yet, the Adjuchas said something that intrigued him, that these so called friendships could prove useful, beneficial. How? Why? He needed answers, and a quick glance at Ryuu would indicate that Shi was not about to take his words at face value. Namely as he sounded like some half-baked nitwit, but then again, Shi was socially inept and frankly, didn't have a sense of humor either. Not that it would have necessarily helped him to understand Ryuu. Perhaps there existed a translator that could help him with that matter.

"You sound mentally afflicted, Ryuu," Shi stated. Not as an actually insult, but as a statement. "And just what do you believe is rightfully the Hollow race's to claim?" he asked, curious. Perhaps, perhaps these two could prove useful allies... though not friends. Why would he want friends?

Kasha had no real concept of friendship as a feeling. But she had seen many times how the Shinigami and Rukon used it for partnerships to grow strong, to lay claim to vast resources and to live the easy life. She walked over to Ryuu daring much in her movements to stand beside him and face the late comer.

To watch her move was to see grains of wheat rippling upon long stalks in verdant fields. Her skin rippled in much the same manner as each lift of a paw caused a chain reaction of motions through her body in order to accommodate her own locomotion. Seamlessly her body seemed to flow rather than to pace mechanically as she took up her new position.

The day was full of new occurrences for her and the ragged tones of her voice gave testament to the fact that it went largely unused; certainly not as much as she would put it to work today. "You who are at the acme of all Hollow evolution come to me for schooling? I dare not believe this is anything but a game you play in order to bring amusement to the middle of a mundane afternoon." She snuffled the air and caught the scent of the candied eyeballs that Ryuu offered to one and all. But she would not let such a treat distract her from her goal.

Nor did she believe the platitudes she heaped upon the Arrancar. She viewed them as weaker and less than herself, for had she not detected the new comers presence before the supposed superior Hollows had done? And now, did she not see the means by which to gain a better means of life where this one failed to see? Clearly Ryuu's mind was lacking in its clarity as well. No, to evolve was to undergo a deterioration of one's strengths and she must learn how it was achieved in order to save herself from such a vile fate. She could only believe this secret would be obtained through proving herself useful and wheedling the knowledge from either one or both of these beings.

She continued to speak and hopefully sew the first seeds in the harvest yet to come. "Very well, I shall entertain." She thought such a term might appeal to Ryuu at the very least. "I have seen, and do know that it must be known to you both, that the Shinigami and the Rukon cling together for strength so that they may keep the richer lands of our world for themselves. If they did not form these friendships, such as we do not form friendships, they would not be able to hold those lands any better than we are able to take them." She turned her eyes upon the newcomer and let her fervor seep into her voice as it became warmed up to the task at hand. She shifted her weight and her tail began to sway back and forth as though agitated by the things she now would speak upon.

"By what design are we in the Wastelands making lives for ourselves in the bleakest manner known to the world? Where we strive to survive, living day to day fighting and struggling for every morsel, those who form packs live a life of ease and grow fat. Who orders the world to be divided in this manner? Why are we not also rightful owners of lands that produce in abundance what it is we need to stay alive? She had begun pacing away from Ryuu as she warmed up to her topic and it seemed for a moment that she was not speaking to anyone, as though she had slipped into a personal conversation and in truth she had worried this concept in her mind over the years as she lay alone in her cave letting hunger gnaw at her stomach. Her steps became heavy almost as if she was attacking the very ground she walked upon in punishment for not giving up to her sustenance to survive.

"WE DO!" She whirled round to face the men after having paced apart from them and anger was in her eyes. "We are the ones who keep us imprisoned here in this desolation by refusing to band together in large packs and claim a land that yields life instead of death. Claim it and hold it defying any who would push us back into the land of death. Do we not exist the same as they do? Life is rightfully ours. Not starvation and death, but Life!"

IYASHII WAS PROVING HERSELF TO BE RYUU'S BFF. This was proven by her trusting Ryuu enough to move closer to him and NOT try to eat him alive piece by piece. It was like one of those trust excercises that they always did when you were forming a group. Except instead of catching each other when they fell this was pulled off by a lack of attempted murder and cannibalism. THAT WAS A TRUE SIGN OF FRIENDSHIP.

Not only that but she was sticking up to Shi the meanie. BECAUSE THATS WHAT FRIENDS DO FOR EACH OTHER. And then she told Shi about more of the MAGIC OF FRIENDSHIP. And how it was utilized in order to drive the undesirables out of civilization and into the barren wastes that lay beyond it so they could hoard the world's resources for themselves.

But if these undesirables could remember the magic of friendship then they could rise up and descend upon their oppressors with JOY (bloodlust) AND PUT ASIDE THEIR DIFFERENCES (mercy towards rukons and shinigami) AND EVERYONE WOULD BE HAPPY (dead). But this could only happen if everyone began to believe again. WELL RYUU WOULD BELIEVE AGAIN. AND HE WOULD SPREAD THAT JOY TO HIS FRIENDS AND SPREAD SMILES TO HIS FOES.

Although honestly now that he thought about it, Iyashii's speech was pretty similiar to Andra's earlier speech. "Why does everyone think that things will be perfect if the Hollow reclaim part of the districts?" Ryuu thought to himself. BUT IYASHII WAS HIS FRIEND AND HE WOULD SUPPORT HER AGAINST SHI THE BULLY. "She's right you know." Ryuu noted after the speech was over. TRULY RYUU WAS BEING ALL COOL BY BEING A MAN OF FEW WORDS WITH THIS STATEMENT.

"Melon Melon Melon Melon Melon~ Bread!" Philemon sung to himself in a low whisper as he boringly stumbled across the wasteland. His appearance reflected his sudden onset of extreme boredom, or as he called it the DC (Don't care) disease. The remnants Fox ears that represented the remnants of his hollow mask seemed to droop despite being made of bone. The Kimono he took care of with an almost obsessed level of reverence, he claimed almost despite it obviously being obsession, was loose with wrinkles ruining his usually clean appearance. The only thing that kept him on his feet and moving at the moment was the sound of voices off in the distance, and the hope that he would be cured of his DC by interacting with others. That or be cured of his hunger.

Plucking a loose piece of bark from his tooth, and flicking it away he reminisced at how he should of known that tree wasn't bread! The shape was all wrong! But he was ranting and the voice was talking about packs and the Rukon districts. Not that he cared about them much anymore ever since they attempted to hide food from him! So he ate them! So the food they hid was no longer needed. This Adjuchas was annoying now, for his reason to not travel with others was because he did not want to share his food! Along with the fact that traveling with others might complicate things for him.

Breaking into a sprint he dove towards the group from yards away, sliding towards them as he holds his hand in the air, "Hello~"

Shi merely stood still and listened, attentive to the possible answer from this Adjuchas. He was an Arrancar that survived by careful planning, not going on a whim. If there was a reason bonds and partnerships were beneficial over solitary actions and goals, then he wanted to see it. Until then, he was not going to act on a single idea of his as far as a straight blind rush towards his dream was concerned. No, patience was a virtue, and like the cunning Adjuchas form he once held, he would bide his time and plot.

He merely registered the haughty nature of the Adjuchas, but kept silent for now. Once she was finished, he merely stared before actually snorting at the arrogance. "Schooling? You think too much of yourself, no single Hollow is akin to any other, beyond similarities in physiology," he corrected. Schooling? He? No, he wanted to know if there was potential in a possible alliance. He did not have friendships, only alliances; those useful to him and those who were in his way.

"You assume much of me, but you know me naught. This one is correct Ryuu', we are damned to this wasteland while the Shinigami and Rukon Citizens live in a paradise, a paradise that they have no right to deny us merely because of what we are," Shi growled out, narrowing his eyes as cold fury burned in them. Memories of being forced away from the paradise as an infantile Hollow and forced into the wasteland burned in his mind, mixed with more memories.

This time of recent journeys to see how the people there fared, and boiling rage at the injustice that he was forced to dwell in a hell hole of predators while two other races lived in a haven of meat and sustenance. "And just what is the benefit of these, friendships, this relation between the Shinigami and Rukon Citizens? How do they benefit from a partnership, can you answer me that?" he all but demanded, eyes blazing for once as the cold ice exploded into hellish fire. "And how can that benefit be useful to any Hollow, if for centuries we have consumed any meat that-"

He stopped abruptly at the sound of another voice and reacted on pure instinct; he whipped around towards the source, grasping his zanpakuto in the process. Upon completing his little whirl Shi unsheathed the blade, pointing it straight at the newcomer, treating them as a possible threat. And for all he knew, they could be as his eyes darted from one Hollow to the other, jaw clenched fiercely.

"... Identify yourself," He ordered coldly, shifting from his question seeking mindset to that of complete alert attention and unease. First the flock, and now another Arrancar! He did not like coincidences at all, especially with such timing.

SPOILER: Click to show

Sorry for the quick exit and out of order post but I really don't want to miss the event.

AND THEN THERE WAS A LONG SERIES OF COMMENTS BY SHI. Unsuprisingly they reflected how UNFUN AND OUT OF TOUCH WITH THE MAGIC OF FRIENDSHIP the arrancar was. Now normally Ryuu would teach him about THE MAGIC OF FRIENDSHIP and its applications to warefare and not going insane from boredom. BUT THEN RYUU NOTICED THAT HE WAS TIRED AND IT WAS SOON TIME FOR HIS BEDTIME STORY. So he would leave Shi's education in the capable hands of his new BEST FRIEND FOREVER (who's name he still didn't know).

"Well as much fun as this is, I have to go. Bye Shi. Bye Best Friend. Hope both of you enjoy the rest of your day." Shi said to Shi and Iyashi and then he began to go off. But before he had left A NEW ARRIVAL HAD ARRIVED. And not only that but it was ANOTHER ARRANCAR (they were really coming out of the woodwork weren't they?) "Hello, my name is Ryuu, mystery person. I would love to meet you but I must go now. Have a nice day" Ryuu said before he continued to skip off INTO THE SUNSENT. "Oh and all of you can help yourselves to that corpse over there. Tastes really good. Can't wait to see all of you again." Ryuu said to the trio (he may have been lying about wanting to see Shi though). Giving one last smile and a wave before he went around a corner and was out of sight, Ryuu reflected on the odds of meeting yet another arrancar. The coincidence was uncanny.


[Exit]

Kasha discerned very many things during the time that The Arrancar spoke. He had quite a lot of trouble understanding things. She was unaccustomed to speaking at all, let alone to such great lengths, so answering the same question twice was definitely off the table. And then another one showed his face.

It was unsettling to say the least. Never had she met an Arrancar in all her span of years and in one day's time she was treated to three? But then Ryuu left and she wondered if some sort of intolerance to the number of their being present in one place was at work here. Of those she had met so far he seemed to be her best chance of finding out how this evolution had been inflicted upon her kind and there he went. The more she learned of these ones, the less sense it all made.

For instance, since when did any of them rush off and leave a perfectly good meal behind? Or had that been a ruse? Her eyes turned to this new comer and wondered if he was so powerful that his mere presence cause Ryuu to flee when so far he seemed to endure that of the other two without so much as a qualm.

Philemon watched the mildly unsettling Arrancar leave the small group in a rather hurried matter, that shouldn't be what he focused on, the sword being pointed at his face was of little threat to him, and the Adjuchas might make a good meal if he could get it alone. Deciding that he had stalled his reaction long enough, he began an over-dramatic crawl to separate himself from her field of attack.

"N-now now! No need for violence!" He announced in a high pitch mixed with the occasional stutter. The one in front of him would be a nuisance if not placated. "W-why don't we just calm down, Yeah?" Rolling over onto his stomach the man slowly rose to his feet making sure to keep his back to the sword bearer. Scooting back a tad more he stuck a hand amicably after turning around, "The names Philemon! Philemon Arturia!" This was accented with excitement and a small amount of glee in his voice as he relaxed into a non-threatening position.

He hoped that the others would take his disarming nature and relax, he didn't want to fight an Arrancar and an Adjuchas at the same time no matter how strong he thought himself to be. He made note to investigate the one whom had run off, something about him set Philemon off.