IC: Patrol Grounds

[Ganryu]

 
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~Patrol Grounds~
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The area around the cave The Lost call home. They regularly patrol it, driving out more dangerous hollows, or hunting for food.
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[Ganryu]

A roar echoed through the sands, commotion bringing the sands to life. A menos grande walked through the desert, brought out by hunger. Countless clouds of squirming hollows made their way away from the beast, fleeing from the approaching disaster. Eyeing them greedily, the beast slowly opened it's mouth, then a tongue shot out, instantly skewering dozens of wriggling hollows. Just as fast, the array of beasts found themselves in its jaw, a sickening crunch sounding conclusively resounded in the area. The giant wasn't done however, and its head turned slowly to where the next collection of reiatsus were gathered. Another roar announced its unresolved hunger.

 

[Hanarei]

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A blonde head peeked out from the dunes some distance away from the commotion. Her pink ribbon stuck out as her blue eyes glanced over seeing the commotion as a large number of hollows appeared to be fleeing from the large Menos. Her head tilted curiously to the side as she shimmied up further as her shoulder length locks became more visible. Her red collar fit firmly around her neck with a small bell resting on it. Her black robe was left visible, her pink sash tied around forming another ribbon behind her back. Her zanpakuto was sheathed, the pink grip visible as she observed quietly in wonder, her sandles digging into the ground..


"Wow... so many! I wonder if they all were at some hollow party. Ooo! I wonder what that would be like! Do they have fancy food and listen to the fancy music stuff? The big one... minos I think they called it? Either way he seems rather rude though... probably spoiling their party. What a jerk."


It wasn't uncommon for her to look at things in a rather 'unique' way. It didn't help that Emi had virtually no fear of a hollow, might it be from a unstoppable sense of bravery or perhaps being far to stupid to know any better. If it wasn't for the fact hollows being animal like creatures more willing to devour you whole then anything else, she probably would of attempted to make friends with one if she could. Perhaps a sense of childish naivety on her part lingering in her extremely upbeat personality. 


She turned back around sliding down the dune waving her hands towards the others having moved ahead to get a clear look of the creature Asumi. For being stuck in Hueco Mundo they didn't get to see too many of them. In large part it was due to the fact they never wanted to see them in the first place. A large part of their survival was the fact they kept themselves hidden away from the danger of Menos. While one Menos might be plausible for them to take down all working together, should they have to deal with multiples things can very quickly turn into a hopeless situation. She stopped at the bottom of the dune waving with a bright smile on her face.


" A bunch of hollows running away and this big mean one going 'rawrrr' and heading towards where Asumi went to camp.  It looked like it was just nomming up the others as it was walking being a jerkiest of jerks." She spoke giving in brief (for Emi) what she saw.  She looked to her old friend Chosi giving him a bright smile. "What should we do Coooossiiii?" She asked in her shout directed to him despite the distance not being too far. It wasn't hard to see she was excited about what she had witnessed. Her child like curiosity always had a way of energizing her up, somehow more then she already was by default. She stood where she was waiting for her allies to gather up to act. 

 

[AtlannianSpy]

Natsumi Murakami
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What a pain... thought Natsumi, dark eyes peering at the bearer of bad news resentfully. They'd been out patrolling for most of the day and she'd been looking forward to exchanging the hot, dusty monotony of the desert for the slightly less hot, slightly less dusty monotony of the cave they were calling home for now. I'm guessing this'll put my evening plans to rest, regardless of how we handle it though. 


Silently Natsumi moved past Emily and made a leap at the dune, colliding feet first close to the summit and snatchign a glance over the top as she slid downwards, all without removing her hands from her pockets. Seriously though how big is that thing? the youngish soul reaper wondered, her pale features crinkling into a scowl as she slid back down to the foot of the dune. Comparing it to the smaller hollows chasing after it was laughable, it loomed over them like a human crushing ants beneath its feet. Natsumi's hand lowered, as if reaching for the katana hanging in her sash before diverting to burrow into her pocket.


"If we let it it get any closer to the camp it'll be troublesome," Natsumi reported to no one in particular. "We'd either have to move and we didn't find any decent spots anywhere near here or we'd have to fight and I'm pretty sure that thing could collapse the cave if it really wanted to. Besides the spike in spiritual pressure we'd make fighting that things will probably attract more hollows to the camp in the long run." Natsumi looked back to the rest of the patrol group and shrugged. 'our best bet is to kill it or at least try to draw it away here, anyone who can't handle it should just head back to camp and stay out of the way."

 

[Orikanyo]

Chosi Hisakawa
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"Oh no. oh no! Oh nononononononononono! Not a menos, please no!" Chosi was, to the surprise of nobody, cowering behind the nearest dune he could, his little head peeking up slightly to gaze at the colossal beast that was devouring all in it's path. It was gigantic! A creature of magnanimously dispensed power and hunger! What should he do? Where should he run? What should he say to the others!?!!?!? Emi was ready to go off and fight that thing! WAS SHE CRAZY!?!?!


...Yes...


Now that he thought about it yes she was. 


"E-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-emi! Get back here!' he called to his far foreward friend in hopes she would actually listen for once. "It's dangerous! that thing is far too powerful! We have to hide or something!!!" he was shivering like a frightened rabbit, his whole tiny body shaking and just about ready to bolt at the slightest hint of danger! of course, natsumi was now drawing up a plan, the last part of which seemed ALL but up Chosi's alley! 


YES!


He should go!


Go back to the safe cave! Cave of safety! their home away from home! In a desolate hateful and destructive wasteland filled with beings that want to kill them all! Yes that sounded like the best idea ever! 


... But wait! That'd leave them to fight the Menos!! He couldn't leave his comrades in danger!! he had to be here to see if they got hurt, to help and heal them if necessary! oh gods why did he have to go on that mission!? Anybody would've been better for the job! Why didn't they send a lieutenant or somebody better!?!!? 


WHY CHOSI!?


HE'S WEAK AS AN OVERCOOKED NOODLE!!!


....


.......


Now he missed Noodles...


"I... I shall provide back up!" Chosi yelped out, his form slowly crawling towards the others, mostly Emi, since she was currently the one whom was mostly dedicated to covering for him. "E-emi. D-do you think we can... Kill that thing?" he whispered the last part almost as if it was a taboo topic. his fear evident, but slightly more confident with a friend next to him.


@Hanarei @AtlannianSpy(mentioned)

 

[Hanarei]

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Emily looked over at Chosi blinking a bit scratching her chin cutely by his words. Her head turned back glancing at the top of the head she could see over the dune and back towards him almost as if confused by what he was saying. Truthfully she wasn't at all phased by its size nor the danger it could pose against them. The threat was all but lost on her even after seeing the display of it devouring so many hollows at once. If there was one thing that could be certain about Emi, she very rarely ever was good at recognizing danger. If it hadn't been in her time with a squad she likely would of just charged straight in to fight... and wouldn't of been around still as one of the survivors left alive in such a wasteland of death. She heard Nattsumi looking over having been moved past. She smiled lifting her hand up in the air excitedly.


"Aye aye captain!" She spoke out enthusiastically, not in an attempt to call Natsumi a captain as much as reciting some cheesy line she had heard somewhere down in the living world at one point. It seemed like it could be fun fighting such a big thing after all. She really wondered what it would be like slicing up a hollow that big. Would it even realize if it did? Did the creature find Shinigami tasty? Did it ever eat up things like a drum stick? If swallowed whole would you be sitting in its big giant stomach? All her inner questions all seemed to go completely away from the main priority of protecting the camp and the danger it posed if it should make it to the others.


She turned her head over looking to Chosi. She smiled brightly as he came close, grabbing his hand as she tugged him over as if to 'help him' in getting over quickly, taking his 'slow crawl' as if he was having trouble moving ahead rather then being afraid. "Heck-yah! We will knock it down a peg... or two... or maybe a couple hundred... or a few thousand..." She spoke looking in thought seeming to realize its size more in her attempt to guess how many 'pegs' it would take till it was knocked down. Her attempt at a 'pep talk' more so unintentionally contributing towards doing the opposite. The blonde remained paused for a bit longer as if she was trying to calculate out just how many it would take before seeming to give up.


Emily suddenly lifted her finger as a light bulb lit up in her head. She pulled out her Zanpakuto, etching something very roughly into the sand, making it that much harder given what she was drawing into the understand half of what she was trying to draw was without a closer look Emily looked as if she was some talented artist doing deep thinking and planning before each stroke of her zanpakuto.She finished the details, spending the last few moments writing (poorly) in the sand before putting an explimation point having finished her work. She put her sword away giving a thumbs up with her 'plan' etched out in 'full'.

"Ooo! Maybe if we all go in and just start chopping really fast at its legs. Just keep swinging away and take off layer after layer, then eventually the head comes down low enough... that is when..." She paused grabbing Chosi's hand lifting it in the air. "Chosi comes going GRAAAAAAH, and chops the Hollow directly in the mask chopping it in half!" She spoke with a beaming smile on her lips at her half thought up plan presented before them etched in the sand.


@AtlannianSpy @Orikanyo

 
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[Nada]

Daisuke Daigoro
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Daisuke couldn't help but be disappointed to see Asumi flee. Such conduct was unbecoming of a shinigami. A part of him felt he couldn't blame her fully under the circumstances, but they were all supposed to act as a unit, and there she was, running away. A soldier that abandons their comrades is no soldier at all. But there were more important issues to worry about than Asumi's cowardice. There was a very large hollow making no secrret of it's presence, and it was out for blood. They would have to do something, or it would likely target their base next.


Rejoining the others from where he had been earlier, Daisuke arrived to see Emily Rairakku making a drawing in the sand. After taking a look at it, Daisuke shook his head. "Try to take this seriously, Rairakku. A Menos Grande is not something to merely be hacked to death." He told her. He had a sickening feeling this was her attempt at makign a serious plan. "However, the idea isn't completely without merit. If I can get a hit on it's legs with my zanpakuto, I might be able to disable them and make it fall down." Kiritsu's ability was to disable limbs, so he thought it would be a sound plan to bring it down. But he wasn't as confident as he sounded. Even he didnt know much about fighting a Menos.


@Hanarei@AtlannianSpy@Orikanyo

 

[yoshua171]

MENOS GRANDE         
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It stood as a monolith against the dark blue sky of Hueco Mundo, its senses notifying it of prey, countless tiny insects for it to devour at its leisure. However, there was something more juicy nearby, far more filling. Something stronger and more filling.
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.̡͜.̶̷̴̧͡.̷̶͏́.̴̧Ś͞h́͟ì́͡͡ǹ̶̡͟ìg̵͢͢͞a͠m̀́͟͡i̷͏̵͘͠.̵͞.͢͢͞҉̕.̨͡.̨̧́́͝
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It thought, mouth opening slightly, emitting a faint red smoke, that drifted up into the air, spreading out. It turned, its massive clawed, not sandled, feet changing its orientation, the rest of its towering body following. It began to make its way in the direction of the shinigami, the prey, the intruders. Rolling through its mind were ideas and thoughts amidst a cacophony of other voices, clambering for control, and failing. It was stronger than the rest, it had asserted dominance over the hivemind and it was assimilating them...one by one.
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Each step rocked the desert, sand bouncing and flying, as a storm was kicked up beneath it, spreading out. Its mouth opened again and a low rumble came from its throat, vibrating the air around it in a steady ominous wave. However, it was moving too slow, growing impatient with its ponderous movements its mouth opened fully and in that moment a glint of red shone and grew...and grew and grew. The glint became a ball, then a larger sphere, then one far bigger than the bodies of the shinigami, the glow fierce against the blue sky and white sands. Hollows at its feet scattered, those further away attempting to bury themselves in the sand to escape.
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Ć̸͝ Ŕ̛҉̷ Á̕͢͜͞ C̨̕͜͡ K̸̡͟͜
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The sphere formed a black crack through it, which spread across its surface a red mist exuding from it before the Menos bit down on it, taking in a deep breath, and exhaling sharply. A wide expanding mostly flat beam struck out only twenty meters in front of its feet, but the cero was sustained, and it continued driving sand into the air the Menos shifted its head, causing the flat beam to push forwards across the sand. It was movingly swiftly and in 30 or so seconds it would cross the distance between hollow and shinigami. By then it would be so wide as to be practically impossible to dodge...unless they approached it. Of course, there was more to the blast than this, far more, but the Menos hoped the shinigami didn't have the wits to notice. With the impending danger of the blast, it was likely they would not.
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So he waited, glowing blue eyes, hidden deep within its mask, peering out to see how its prey responded. It would be just fine if they were vaporized, then he could merely breath to pull their essence to him. That would make life so much easier.
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But life wasn't easy.
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[Hanarei]

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She blinked looking over at Daisuke. She lifted her finger up as if to give a 'scolding' granted it ended up coming off much softer and no where near the the verbal backlash many might expect. "Call me Emily now! Or Emi is fine, we are all friends here after all, no reason to be formal." She spoke with a bright smile making it quite difficult if she even really heard his remark about her 'flawed' plan. Truthfully Emily had practically glossed over it being far to obsessed being called by her last name. She could be weird about some things... particularly when her reasoning made little sense given she tended to push out her name in that way to anyone she met even for complete strangers. As far as she was concerned Daisuke have given approval for her plan simply suggesting his idea being similar to her own in a vague sense.


Her attention suddenly shifted as her eyes caught sight of the Cero being formed. She blinked looking curiously at it. "Ooo... pretty..." She spoke casually as if she was a moth to a flame. Fortunately despite her words she was smart enough to know that it was anything but good. As it struck the sand she saw it slowly approaching as her instincts jumped into gear. As ditzy as she was, she fortunately possessed at least some sense of thought when it came to danger... even if it did tend to usually come into play after she was already knee deep in trouble. She grabbed her the sheath of her blade, holding it out with a gentle kiss to her hand she gripped the handle.


"Show them love, Yasashii" Her voice spoke spoke up as theblade glowed suddenly shifting its color. The sword and sheath turned a mixture of pink and magenta with hearts teased along the wrap. The guard changed shape turning into a wired heart. She pulled the blade out exposing the grey metal, a light pinkish tint vaguely visible on close inspection as she slipped the sheath back into her sash behind her back. She looked over to Chosi deciding to act quickly for his sake. She was generally quite protective of him as a friend, granted it was in some part her doing that had helped to usher him to become a Shinigami in the first place. She suddenly hit him with the side of her blade striking around his stomach a few times causing a light impact though nothing that should hurt to much at all. 


"We better moves!" She spoke stating perhaps the obvious though in some way hopefully sparking the others to move quicker. She sheathed her blade briefly taking hold of Chosi's hand. "Time to fly Chosiiiii!" She spoke quite quickly before grasping his arm tightly with both her own. She suddenly shifted herself taking up a stance. She spun around, her strength quite unexpected for someone her size (although perhaps looking more reasonable compared to her meek friend) picking up Chosi from the ground using momentum and carrying her with her body tossing her friend up in the air flying closer up to the Menos to land on the side avoiding the Cero... granted at the cost of Chosi spinning around a bit like a rag doll in the air not really taking in consideration telling him to try and take control to land once he arrived. 


She pulled out her Zanpakuto suddenly moving forward before jumping off the ground. A bright smile was on her lips as it wasn't hard to tell she was enjoying it far to much then she should given the danger that was approaching. "Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee!" Her voice called out, the tone becoming a little more faded as she leaped ahead using all the force she could to carry herself away from the approaching attack making sure to direct herself to land close to the direction she had tossed Chosi. It was far from a super well thought out plan but sometimes even crazy ideas held some merit. A broken clock is always right twice a day after all.


@Orikanyo @yoshua171 @Nada @AtlannianSpy

 
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[AtlannianSpy]

Natsumi Murakami
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Natsumi hissed, watching the intense beam of energy as it scythed towards them, churning the sand up behind it, it seemed as though the creature wasn't content to let them work out a strategy in peace. Natsumi put on a quick burst of speed and dashed out of the path of a the beam, her shunpo taking her to the left and towards the menos somewhat. Natsumi was operating on the principle that the enormous creature would have at least a little trouble turning quickly and besides that, something inside her was urging Natsumi to be aggressive despite the massive disparity between her and her opponent. For whatever reasons Natsumi really to kill this thing, to tear its flesh apart and rip-


-Focus! The young soul reaper reminded herself, making another dash forwards, trying to circle around the massive creature while it was still facing forward, hoping that the others had the good sense to spread out in other directions. Natsumi spared a glance towards the site where they had all been clustered a moment ago and she exhaled sharply. The destruction was total, if beam hadn't taken so long to hit their position they would likely have lost people already, maybe even have been wiped out in a single instant. Why was it's aim so off anyway? wondered Natsumi, taking in the huge trench of churned up sand the beam had left in its path. Was it something to do with a lack of flexibility? Did the hollow just lack the sensory or physical capability to target them at range? But the trail lead almost to it's feet, even if the menos had incredible spiritual power it was still an incredibly inefficient attack. Natsumi couldn't help but look for some kind of meaning behind it. Now that I'm thinking about it doesn't this thing look slightly different from the pictures? I thought menos were all supposed to look identical or something? Aren't their masks supposed to have pointy noses or whatever? It's feet look different too...


Natsumi felt a twinge of unease but quelled it quickly. The menos in front of them might be unusual in some way but it wasn't like they were prepared to fight a regular menos either. The rough outline of their plan was still probably their best chance at success, Natsumi scanned the field for Daigoro, trying to make eye contact and communicate via expansive gestures that she was going to try get closer, if his zanpakuto could really paralyse the things legs the it would bb worth creating an opening for him.


@Nada :Mentioned


@Hanarei @Orikanyo @yoshua171

 

[Orikanyo]

Chosi
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"Emi?! Don't tell me your goan fight that- hurk!" the small man yelped at the sudden swap of the side of the blade hitting his stomache. it didn't hurt mind, more like a love tap compared to what he was used to... But what came after was less so normal for the man. now flying through the air the young man's screams could be heard for a good while off, trailing softer and softer into the distance as his stronger friend had intended. indeed, he was sailing far past the cero, and even over the height of the menos it'self. But sadly for Chosi his landing was an issue, how would he go about it was a mystery for the poor currently flying and dizzy man. If he doesn't cover his fall he might end up dead either way! Or horribly paralyzed! Which would be worse since he'd then be a drag on the group!


Not to mention Emi would be heartbroken for having done that... he couldn't allow that to happen! 


Because if he did she'd likely try and murder everything in Hueco Mundo. 


And so, he had to do something! but what could he do to stop his fall!? he didn't know how to fly! the bakudo to use against this sort of thing requires something to stick to. But... hmm... wait!!!! 


"Grasp the abyss! Kuraken!" 


With his voice resounding through the air like a frantic squeak of a mouse his blade transformed, a swirl of water surrounding it and birthing it's new form, the spear long and ready, the rope dangling in the draft of wind. but only for a moment did it do so, for the end of the rope wrapped around Chosi's waist like a harness and launched the spear towards....


The back of the menos' neck! 


With a sickening stab deep into the creature Chosi managed to land himself a line, like a mountain climber scaling a mountain made of power and death! he took care to evade the menos' convienient spikes and  readied to lower himself, or atleast swing away should the creature get smart... which Chosi would admit.. is rather rare for the creatures.


"OH GOD DON'T HURT ME!" the small man screamed as he hoped beyond hope the hollow didn't notice this little mosquito on it's back, the rope like a long tendril easily moving and swaying as the young man wished, but his mind could not be made up, should he scale, or should he jump? it was his plan to jump off it but now he might be in a prime position!?


But he wasn't a fighter!


What would this young man do!?

 

[Nada]

Daisuke Daigoro
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Daisuke rolled his eyes at Emi's comments. As far as he was concerned, they were all still soldiers, and they all still needed to respect the rules. His personal feelings towards her were irrelevant. That said, his personal feelings towards her were lukewarm at best. She was more of a person that he had to suffer alongside than an actual friend. He found her annoying more tahn anything. But now wasn't the time for him to mentally question his relationships. The Menos had gotten wind of them, and had prepared an attack. Daisuke cursed himself for not noticing it sooner. He scattered like everyone else, moving towards the Menos so as to close in for an attack.


As he unleashed his shikai, he witnessed something bizarre. Emi had clearly hurled her own friend Chosi into the air, and followed him not long after. Daisuke had no idea what she was thinking. At least it looked like the poor boy managed to recover from the experience and latch onto the back of the creature. It was an excellent strategic move. But when Daisuke thought about it, he wasn't so sure that Chosi had chosen to do so intentionally. Hopefully it would all wokr out in their favor.


After peeling his eyes away from the odd sight, he caught sight of Natsumi signalling she was going to go on the offensive. Daisuke gave her a thumbs up, meaning tjhat he knew what she intended to do. He was just thinking that he would need everyone to keep the Menos busy while he got closer. He wasn't the fastest shinigami around, though he was still probably faster than this great lumbering beast. He just needed to close the distance without getting nailed by another cero, then he could test just how well Kiritsu would work on it's legs.


@yoshua171 @AtlannianSpy@Hanarei@Orikanyo

 

[yoshua171]

MENOS GRANDE
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Towering above its foes, the Menos watched, unsurprised, as the insects darted out of the way of its beam, which it promptly ended as they landed and one of them pierced its flesh. It did not howl, but the glowing orbs of its eyes looked down and then something the shinigami probably hadn't suspected could happen, occurred. Its robes billowed out and revealed a long almost skeletal hand, which, with deft ease, used two fingers to pull the zanpakuto from its form and fling it, its master in tow. The little one that had struck it first was terrified, it knew. Both the shinigami's words and the smell it exuded told the Menos that. He could kill the little creature later, the others would come first.
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Its knees bent beneath its cloak, and then it swept its hand out, faster than one would expect from such a massive creature, and let its hands slam into the sand, traveling across it like a human child might move their hand in water to create a wave. The result was much the same as a huge curved wave of sand blasted out from the point of impact. The wave of sand was so huge that it actually obscured the Menos for a moment, before a horrible sound could be heard, just as before.
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Ć̸͝ Ŕ̛҉̷ Á̕͢͜͞ C̨̕͜͡ K̸̡͟͜ 
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A red flash could be seen even through the sand, and then its height decreased, while its speed increased. The Menos rose back up, glaring down at them before it turned, facing the female shinigami, before it took a single step, rocking the desert with its tremendous weight. The wave of sand blasted outwards from the Menos in a half circle as it approached Emi, before it opened its mouth, forming a small cero. It didn't fire, instead its arm separated from its robed mass again, grabbed the cero from its mouth, crushed it, compressing it, and then threw the glowing, cracked orb, at Emi. Then the monster turned and raised its head to the sky and roared, the sound terrible like thunder, promising pain and doom.
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It appeared that things would not be so easy as getting to its legs and paralyzing it.
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[Hanarei]

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Emily watched as Chosi seemed to go the extra mile, a bright grin on Emi's lips. "YOU GO CHOSIIIIIi!" She called out having landed to the right side of the Menos. She saw it as her job to try and get Chosi out of his shell and help him stand out. It was a very much give and take friendship, Emily had been the one to get Chosi to join and become a Shinigami, but he was the one who allowed the scatter brained Emily to have a chance to even pass. As much as her instincts could do a lot to make her able to fight, it took more then brawn to get through the academy. It was her duty to help him achieve that next level... even if perhaps her ideas could come off more on the 'careless' side.


She watched suddenly as Chosi was suddenly grabbed by the Zanpakuto, flung away. She looked a bit distraught, having no time to react as suddenly it swept its hand through the sand causing a wave of sand to rush up. "CHOSI!" She called out though her efforts to call him were suddenly halted by a glow of a cero. She jumped back, clearing a little distance looking up at the large Menos. She looked at him holding her Zanpakuto staring at him. 


"You big meany tossing Chosi-kun away like that... you... you jerk!" She spoke putting a pouty face on talking to the Menos as if it really might care what she said flinging her Zanpakuto around a bit carelessly. It came much to her surprise when it approached her. She blinked not seeming at all even phased by it approaching. She lacked any sense of fear about her... whether it was a good thing or not seemed more then ever debatable as she stood before it holding her blade straight to her side. She stood still seeing a Cero form, already adjusting her balance naturally as she was expecting it to fire, only to use its large arms to strangely compress it. She blinked tapping at her chin before it suddenly threw it towards her. 


Emily seemed almost unconscious in her movement as the orb flew to her. She wasn't even thinking what it could be although her body distinctively moved knowing whatever it was, it wasn't any good. She quickly jumped back, her fast speeds aiding as she darted away from the Cero and a bit away from the Menos. She skid across the sand a little distance away, taking a little effort to pick up traction with the sand slipping away under her feat though able to recover after a short distance. She cringed as the noise reached her ears being quite unpleasant to her. "Ah... and your so noisy too... a super jerk!" She called out holding her Zanpakuto keeping alert about the Menos. 


@Orikanyo @yoshua171

 
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[Nada]

Daisuke Daigoro
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It was painful to watch as Chosi was tossed aside casually. Perhas it was too much to ask that the menos wouldn't be so quick to react to their attacks. The hollow wasted no time following up on its movements by sending a sweeping wave of sand at them. This thing was clearly cleverer than he had expected. Was it even so good an idea to stay here and fight it to the death? Although he was worried, Daisuke screwed up his courage and planned to keep at it. The others were all still here, and he would keep fighting as long as need be.


With its attention focused on Emi, Daisuke continued to move to close the distance. As he closed in, he decided to do what eh could to keep the menos on its toes. "Hado 4: Byakurai!" He shouted as he unleashed a bolt of white lightning from his fingertip aimed squarely at the menos' mask. While he doubted he was using the silver bullet they needed to win, he at least hoped this would give it some pause. It was all he could do right now as he got closer.


@yoshua171@Hanarei@Orikanyo@AtlannianSpy

 

[Orikanyo]

Chosi
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Like a bug just flicked off it's body Chosi was sent flying into the air once more, only to once again lash out at his target once again, the exact same spot upon the hollow. What plan did he have? Likely he didn't have one in the first place, or perhaps he was simply acting based on what little fighting instinct he had? 


"Blast! Chosi don'tchyea have a plan? Or do yea think to just keep latching onto it like a roach?" a familiar voice echoed in his mind, uh oh, seems Kuraken was angry. "N-n-n-n-n-no! i gotta help!" Chosi screamed, his tears streaming down his face just about as fast as the waters flowed from the Zan's spearhead. "BAH! You're sooner gona run off and let emi do all the work again! No yea filthy landlubber! Yer gettin' in there!" the voice echoed as Chosi felt the rope lurch him forwards once more. "AVAST ye' filthy dog, Captain Kuraken be upon yee!" the zanpakuto roared to nobody but Chosi, whom was feeling... slightly... encouraged by the Zan's voice. 


But what could he do!? 


He couldn't kill the thing himself! 


But... wait... what if he could open up a weak point? Distract it for the others?


Yes, thats what he could do! 


But... how... he was stuck clinging to the thing at the end of his spear! 


....


.......


"Hammer the gap me bucko! Give 'er the broadside!" the voice yelled in his mind, confident as ever, the Zan ready to unleash it's power. he had already stabbed into it twice, even if it was only close it meant there was a gap, if he were to focus his blast there it might actually do some damage! it wont destroy the mask, but it may open up an opportunity for the others!! 


With that in mind he gritted his teeth, ready to do the most offense oriented thing in his life. he steeled himself and fired!! 


From the embedded tip of the spear unleashed the condensed blast of water, a searing laser of liquid bursting forwards like a dam bursting! the spear came shooting back form the force, but the damage was done! though modest, it was enough no doubt. Chosi sent his spear out towards a nearby dune, stabbing dep into the sand and bringing himself to the point safely. "Come on... please let this work!"

 

[yoshua171]

MENOS GRANDE
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In moments its roar became a pained shriek as the watery blast met its body, the former striking its neck, while the latter struck somewhere on its torso, parting some of the sand as it pushed through it. After a moment it went silent, but it was certainly not vanquished as a moment later a sound like continuous thunder vibrated through the area as small shockwaves and a cloud of sand erupted forth. Where the Menos had stood was now empty air, but nearer the ground was a swiftly moving cloud of sand, that couldn't have been anything else. After it had crossed some distance, having headed in Natsumi's direction, intent to devour at least one of them. In its pain it appeared to have stopped caring which one of them was truly threatening.
​

 
​

Or had it.
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​

As it struck out at Natsumi, a byakurai struck its shoulder, and it shrieked, its strike going off course and instead merely grazing Natsumi as she attempted to fully evade the attack. She would be sent flying, but unlike if the Menos had truly caught her, she would live.
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​

Turning towards the source of the byakurai, the Menos roared, and then fired a cero into the ground at an angle. A beam of fierce red energy struck forth across the surface of the sand, stirring up a storm as it moved. Oddly, it was a normal cero.
​

 
​

Imagine that.
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[Hanarei]

View attachment 184583​

 
​

Emi watched as her companions lashed out at the hallow, a bright grin on her lips seeing Chosi act. The Meno's attention seemed to quickly shift away from her as it darted forward, watching it dart away in a cloud of sand moving towards Natsumi. She clutched her blade nodding her head in response. It was her turn to strike now. He would regret turning his attention away from her, attacking Natsumi and most of all tossing around HER Chosi. She dashed forward, utilizing her quick speed to move up towards the Menos. She darted around the back side finding her footing before jumping up using the Menos attempting to fire down as part of her advantage.


Emily landed on top of the creatures back. A smile on her lips. She began to run up quickly on its upper back, slashing away at its body as she did almost like a crazy madman. As she reached forward she jumped up in the air, positioning herself up above its head expecting it to turn. She grinned as her body began to fall downward. "This is what you get for hurting my Chosi!" She spoke out loudly as she suddenly chopped towards the creatures mask.


Her blade sliced forward striking at the creature's mask. Her joy for the fight not hard to see as she quickly used her feet to push off its mask throwing herself away from it in the air. Her eyes locked onto the Menos as she lifted her hand, expecting it would try and attack her while she was vulnerable. She lifted her hand up to her lips, blowing the Hollow a kiss. The invisible markings on its body lit up as they all struck, inflicting a wound wherever she hit the creature doubling the attack setting them all off at once. She flew back in the air vulnerable as she called out "Now guys get the jerky-face quick-idy split!" She called out mid-flight, quite vulnerable to being struck as she fell towards the ground.


@yoshua171 @Orikanyo @Nada @AtlannianSpy @Ganryu

 
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[Orikanyo]

Chosi - hero of the day.
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"EMI! You're doing it- AHHHHH! EMI YOU'RE FALLING!" the smaller man screamed, shocked with his friend falling from a rather terrible height! Also she was wide open! he had to do something!!! 


GO!


SPIDER CHOSI!


using his zanpakuto he slung himself forwards, pinning hisspear into the hollow's leg and slingshotting himself towards flying woman, looking much like an adorable little screaming slingshot. his aim was on point, but his velocity was.. not quite in acceptable "Catch them as they fall" levels. What might've been a dramatic catch and save turned into the small man colliding with the woman's body at near top speed, and then clinging onto her for dear life like a human sized tick being shot from a cannon. "I got you Emi!!" he yelled to the woman, his zanpakuto latching onto the ground to bring them into a slightly less impactful landing, which involved rolling around and landing in a heap of limbs and spiritually created rope. 


Within chosi's mind, his zanpakuto was laughing it's pirate accented ass off at the two. "Glad tah help yea finally get that girl lad!" "Kuraken!!!" his mentally screamed at his Zanpakuto "Aye aye I know I know. but come on lad don't let a man down! Shes all over yea! LITERALLY! YAR HAR HAR HAR HAR!"

 

[Nada]

Daisuke Daigoro
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​

Daisuke was glad to see his attack landed in time to spare Natsumi the full force of the menos' attack. But he was much less pleased to find it turning to attack him afterwards. Daisuke swore this creature had no real pattern. It seemed to choose it's targets on pure whimsy. Never having been too fast, Daisuke's attempt to evade the cero was only partially successful. He dived to avoid it, but it ended up searing a large wound on his back. He cried out in anguish. However, the pain only served to strengthen his resolve at this point. Picking himself up off the ground, Daisuke made a beeline for the menos. He was going to kill it, and he was going to kill it now.


Fortunately for him, the others kept the beast disctracted as he sprinted across the dunes. In a mad rage, he closed the gap and made a flying leap at the menos' mask. With all his momentum, and all his might, he slammed Kiritsu into it with full force. The jitte was not a large weapon, but with Daisuke was nothing if not strong. The force of the blow sundered the menos' mask, and the hollow was down for the count. As huge an accomplishment as this victory could be seen, Daisuke only had one thing on his mind, and that was getting them out of here and back to safety. "Would one of you grab Murakami and haul her back to base?" He shouted at the others. He hoped the reason why he couldn't do it was obvious. "Damn, that smarts..." He muttered, feeling the pain from his injury. With the excitement dying down, he was starting to really feel it. When they were finally back, he was going to need a nice long rest.


@Orikanyo@Hanarei@yoshua171

 
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[Ganryu]

~Dark Clouds Gather~
The Espada discuss The Lost​

A knock tapped three times against the massive castle doors. In Hueco Mundo, there were castles for each of the Espada, yet the front doors were hardly ever used. The only ones willing to enter were the facciones and other servants. To approach anothers castle was either war from another Espada, a death seeking arrancar angered by some attack, or rarest of them all, a visit from the King of Hueco Mundo.

In this case, it was the latter. Cooly, the king rapped three times. The Septima was in toe with him.

"Cu, I have come to speak with you and Quinta. Next rap, I walk through this door."

A bunch of bickering could be heard behind the door. "But he said Cu boss, shouldn't he open it?" the sound of a slap echoed behind the door, along with a yelp. "We can do it to yea nincompoop!" a feminine voice echoed from the door, seeimingly the one who hit the first one. And possible the aforementioned boss. "Gub, open the door!" called the feminine voice again. "Guh?" "Yes you!" "guh?' "Is there anybody else named Gub!?"

"guh..."

"Boss hes gona cry again." the first voice warned, earning a immence hiss of resentment from the feminine one. "Fine! please open the door gub." and with that, the doors were pulled upon by the person called gub, the source of the feminine voice came forward.

"A utmost pleasure your highness, i appologize for taking so long to open the door,. Lord Cu cuhulainn and the Little one are currently in the bath you see. As such he could not come to the door. I shall go to fetch them." a fox faced woman spoke to the king, standing next was Cu cuhlainn's other two faccions, gub, a big creature with a mask rsembling bull horns. And Duch, a man who looked like he'd flintch at a fly moving towards him, he had a mousey face and a mask piece planted on his head that looked much akin to a mouse's ear, with a bite taken out of it.

"i shall go tell lord Cu that you are here right away!" the foxish woman told the king, again, as she turned to Gub. "Well!? Don't just stand there! Go find him!" her shrill voice echoed through the large hall, as the sudden sound of something large landing on the other side of the hall echoed back. "i could hear yer racket comin froom across that damn way yea fools. Snivelin' little rats, I'd toss yea out if yea bothered me again if it weren't fahr a raisin."

The tall man stood tall, strong... and actually rather naked save for the towel around his waist, his massive form covered in what might be mostly considered "Fur" as it triumphantly stood atop of his chest and arms. "yea doon't send nary a damn word yer comin' and get me faccion all in a rough? What kinda king are yea?" he hissed, a hand holding onto the towel across his side.

The Septima Espada followed a few paces behind the King, her long coat flowing in the few gusts of wind that cut through the open space. From all directions the howls of hollows driven into frenzy could be heard. The time of the full moon always pushed them over the edge, mna would likely end up devoured but it never failed to leave some interesting stock. We should be getting a good deal of Adjuchas from- The normally composed Espada couldn't help but quirk an eyebrow as the sounds of an argument broke out behind the door.

Letting out a frustrated breath Reina rubbed her forehead, just below the small band of feathers she wore. Every time the Sexpada's Facciones were involved, the simplist action became a drawn out affair. Composure regained, harsh amber eyes studied each of the Faccion as the doors were finally opened. She and the King had scarcely stepped inside as Cu finally showed himself.

....

Not wearing anything and even going so far as to try and scold the King. Cracks in her cool expression appeared as Reina closed her eyes and took a slow breath.

The king remained stoic as ever through the three's bumbling of opening a door. At Cu's appearence, he breathed a bit harder than normal.

"Well, I suppose if my blade is here, I have no need for its tassles."

He tapped his sword in sheathe, more particularly a blue orb on the butt, and a blue sphere formed around his three loud facciones, and then nothing happened. Literally nothing. They seemed frozen in place. They would be fine as soon as the King felt like releasing it. The king walked forward to greet Cu, not even reacting to the towel. It wasn't high on his priorities, his concept of power was, well, power. His Espada could be as eccentric as they wanted as long as they had that. Those that didn't? Well, it was better for them to be...quiet.

Finding a seated area, the King went ahead and seated himself.

"It is rather hard to send word when all of us are busy. Remember, you might have found some new hounds, but I'm the one who called them. This zenith was rather taxing for me, I used more reiatsu than normal to attract hollows to Hueco Mundo this moon. I'd rather we were well supplied for the upcoming campaign against the Seireiti. Now where is Quinta? There's a matter I would like to discuss with the three of you. Reina, would you mind filling Cu in on what you reported to me? I do believe it concerns a few people he might know personally. I must admit, my curiosity is piqued over this."

Finding a seat of her own, Reina offered a slight bow of her head. "Of course, my king." She leaned back slightly, "A week ago my Facciones captured two of the Shinigami that have been wandering Hueco Mundo for the past year. While only a little information was gleaned from them, I noticed something unusual about the both of them... These Shinigami possessed Hollow reiatsu." The Espada shook her head, "How this came to be I've yet to find out, but further investigation showed that all of the stranded are in a similar state. One even has enough reiatsu to pass off as an Arrancar to someone with poor Pesquisa."

Looking in abit of a huff, the man followed suit regardless. they were still guests after all, he had to remain atleast somewhat pleasant. And he'll admit, not having his three dumbasses snapping at one another for sometime is a nice change. Granted, they were funny. "...Fine, Naught like i got much tae bother aboot. Damn dogs have me searchin'
all voer for good hounds. Cannae stay in one damned place."

And now, he let Reina speak. one rung lower then him on the ladder, and she always acted like she was better then him. As if the fact their facciones were his doing, bred and trained eprfectly to get the best outa them. Well, not bred, more like grooming. Groomed and trained... yes, thats it, makes it sound less creepy that way...
Clueing into the woman's words he lsitened for a moment before suddenly speaking up. "Oi i seen those pups, figured they'd have died off sooner or later. Seems they had a spark in em afetr all! Baahahaha! knew it from the moment I saw their worthless hides." he chuckled, strokeing his beard. "Looks tah be we got new dogs on the field eh? yea think we should go an' show em who their gona listen tah? get em under thumb eh?"

As he spoke, elaning forward in his excitement, a small rather cheerful espada came up to the group. "Hi! mr.King! you came for a visit?" the little one asked, shuffling forwards, wearing what seem to be white pyjamas. "oh! Reina! hello!' she called with a little hand waving to the fellow Espada. "Whats going on? Did mr. Cu do something bad?' she asked in ehr childish way, but there was a slight.. point.. in the words, that made the alrger man flinch slightly. "Aye nay little one, came about tah pups we met a wee while back."

The King glanced at the three statues behind them.

"Nothing at all.

In any case, Quinta, I do believe you are the one I've been looking for. I'm currently debating what to do with the shinigami you met earlier. I just have one question. Do you think they could be useful? Perhaps even allies? Its not normal for shinigami to start to turn hollow. Does that still make them our enemies you suppose? Or maybe they are our friends?"

He asked Quinta, but he glanced at both Reina and Cu. Particularly Cu, to answer his earlier question.

"About dropping a few dogs on them, I don't believe that to be neccessary. The first rule of Hueco Mundo is the strong will come, and they came. If they can be useful to us, best to let them go ahead and be useful. Besides, they might encounter my own hound soon enough. Decima's a bit close to them, and he doesn't listen to orders well, such as 'don't touch the shinigami'. I suppose the question is do I relocate him or not? These shinigami do have my interest, and it's been so long since that's occurred. If the war breaks out, which side will these shinigami fall?"

Reina offered a slight smile and nod over to the smallest of the gathered Espada, "Hello, Quinta." She returned her attention to the King as he mused over the situation. "I believe they could be a great use, your majesty. Even if they don't directly ally themselves with us, their new Hollow sides give me their sight. Perfect for gathering information on the Seireiti once they return."

"i think their cool!" the little Quinta spoke quickly after her king asked her about the shinigami. "Their all shinigami AND hollow! So cool! I wana see them grow!" she practically was jumping for joy at the thought. "Maybe they can be even stronger then a faccione?" at that Cu gave a small shrug. "Aye lass, perhaps they could be, their wild and free right now, mayhaps some work could set em on the track- Wait... Decima is close tae em?" Cu stopped, looking suddenly rather.... confused.

"...We both know whats gonna come of that yea know. Whatchyea think? Should we take him back by his ear? that one ain't the strongest of the bunch, hell their hardly worth a damn lick of a fly's arse in power."

The King stroked his chin in thought.

"Hmm. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one with an interest in them. I think... I think that they do have some use to us. I agree with little Quinta. I want to see them grow. And I believe Cu's correct on Decima's power. I've been eyeing a new one anyways. How to use this to our advantage, hmm... Very well, it is decided. These are your orders. You may carry them out any time, as I'm sure each of us is exhausted after the full moon.
Reina, I believe you told me a few arrancar who seem to suddenly appear and disappear west of the Shinigami's location. And I believe I felt a few of the shinigami disappear momentarily around there as well. I believe this is a village hidden by some manner of technique. I would like for you to 'accidentally' let the information slip to Decima. I'm not particular as to how.

Cu, you have your new dogs prepared, correct? Send them to the Rukongai, we need to find an entrance into the Seireiti. Regular hollows will raise less suspicion.

Quinta, perhaps you can find some new friends in the desert? We'll be needing a new
Decima soon enough. Please don't kill any prospectives.

These are my orders. Any questions?"

The Spetima offered a slight bow, "I've already planted the seeds for one of the Shinigami to see us as allies. With your blessing, I will continue gently guiding him our way."

Cu gave the man a nod, looking pleased with this new mission. "Aye yea'll have yer damned enterance, come 'ell or high water." the big man smirked but then looked towards Quinta. hopeing she would choose wisely... not that she wasn't, he just hoped she wouldn't choose the cutest thing she could find.

"Okay~!" the little one cheered, still bouncey and happy as could be. "I'll find us a new Decima, and they'll be bigger and better then ever!!!"

The king nodded at both approvingly.

"Very well. We have our work."

With a snap of his finger, a red light enveloped him. With another snap, the spacial freeze around Cu's facciones ceased, releasing them. At the same time the king disappeared from the room.

 

[KageYuuki]

Chosi Finally Gets a Grip
Everything had calmed down.. for a time at least. With the others settled and at ease, and hydrated, can't forget that part, he went off into a small area nearby the cave to give himself some space and time to think about his...

State of mind.

Considering the two voices were arguing about... Well.. One being there, he decided he should at least go and settle this himself as it was, in the end, his own mind. The second voice, one who had not named itself, came to rise so quickly, happening so fast that he wasn't certain about how it actually came to be.

Was it something like Asumi's issue? Was he going to go crazy? It was so soft spoken and level headed he couldn't imagine it doing that to him...

Perhaps he should've just slept on it?

Let himself rest for a time?

He couldn't sleep with the two causing a racket inside his own head, so that idea was far out.

As such, he found himself back to his original idea, to which the second voice said. "An apt idea my lord, let us speak of this face to face."

"Aye, so we can kick yer blood arse out! Hurry up Chosi we haven't got all day! This landlubber might just sink his claws into ya if ya don't hurry." He didn't know which was more annoying, just how quickly the new voice came, or how Kuraken was reacting to it...

He searched for a possible reason for this in his adorable little head as he came upon his little, secluded spot...

That lady... saw potential in him...

Was this the potential she saw?

She seemed to know a lot about it... if only she could answer his questions on it...

...He didn't know where she was anyways, so he guessed he'd have to deal with it on his own. he wasn't remiss to asking for help, but they were taken to that place while being out cold, and vice versa, even then the others would be so very worried if he disappeared...

A small hollow, shaped like a raven, landed near where Chosi sat. It cawed at him a few times, the sound not unlike that of a crow in the human world. It studied him, staying still as if waiting for him to do something.

Chosi immediately looked up at the raven, surprised by its sudden appearance... and the fact there's a raven here at all. "...How odd my lord. Quoth the raven?"

"Shut the hell up."

"...I think it wants something from me." Chosi ignored the two, standing up once more to walked over towards the creature. "Umm... do.. you want something from me?"

Cawing at him once more, the bird turned and hopped a few steps away, stopping to check and see if Chosi was following.

"...I.. think it wants us to follow it." The small man said, to which kuraken replied.

"To no good, I tell ya! get back to the ship, er, cave!"

"What is it you wish to do Lord Chosi?" The two could never agree it seems... But he did want to see what it wanted. But he was ready to blow the hell up whatever the hell tried to come at him regardless.

Kido was good for that much.

Following the raven, he set off to find... whatever it wanted to show him...

Content that Chosi was giving chase, the raven opted to fly close to the ground instead of hop. It was at least a little faster that way for them. It led the shinigami over some nearby dunes to a familiar figure below. Cawing once more, it landed comfortably on the Espada's shoulder.

"Hello, Chosi," Reina spoke with a slight smile, "It seems you found my little pet."

Chosi cleared over a dune and met the sight of the woman below. "Reina?" he called just before losing his footing.

The small man stumbled upon the loose sand, ending up rolling down the slope head over heels down the slope with a rather satisfying face plant digging into the sand as he came to a stop. Kuraken laid upon his back still, but in Chosi's mind, he laughed like an idiot. "...Perhaps my lord might seek out new footwear upon his return?"

"...Quiet you two... I have enough problems with Kuraken's tomfoolery."

"I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! HAHAHAHAHAHAH! Chosi that had to be the best fall I've seen outta ya to date!" The zanpakuto continued to snicker, as the small man rose his head towards the woman.

"...Hi.." he spoke sheepishly, feeling quite... ashamed of his display.

Reina blinked, clearly surprised by his fall. "Are you okay?" The Espada asked, holding a hand out to help him back up.

"Could be better... if there weren't two laughing spirits in my head.." he took her hand, raising up with her help. "Thank you... Umm... So that was your raven? I'm sorry if I'm stumbling upon you at a bad time." In truth, he was happy to see her again, though it seemed a tad bit too... Convenient.

"I... did have a few questions... But I didn't think I was going to see you again, or so soon," he admitted, still sheepish.

"Mmm, I suppose that wouldn't help matters all that much," Reina's grasp was gentle as she helped him to his feet. Her golden hues moved over to the dark bird still resting on her shoulder, "Yes, he is. And this isn't a bad time in the slightest." She lightly rubbed the feathers on the small hollow's chest. "Truth be told, I'd asked him to check things out for me. I'd felt an unsettling spike in reiatsu and had to come see what had happened. I'd wondered if an Adjuchas class hollow had appeared, the full moon does tend to drive them a little over the edge."

The Espada offered another soft smile, "But of course, I'm more than happy to lend a hand. Perhaps you could explain what happened in return?"

"Umm... not... quite... I think I do know what happened, though." He spoke softly, rubbing his hands nervously. "It was... very frightening... One of our number just... went insane... She grew some strange mask on her face and tried to... Kill us." He trembled slightly at the memory.

"But ya took her down Chosi! And without a single scratch on her too, lad!" Comforted Kuraken, proud of him actually taking action.

"With my guidance, of course."

"I told ya to shut up, the raven did too!"

"It was frightening... But we managed to keep her bound until she returned to us... She... fired this... strange energy out of her mouth. And it nearly hit Emi." He met her golden gaze a few times, glancing back and forth from the ground to her.

"...But now I heard a voice inside my own head... He doesn't seem... mean... or... controlling." he tried to find words. "...he saved my life during when Asumi went crazy."

Reina quietly listened, nodding every once in a while as he went. ]"I see..." she murmured after he finished. "That voice you're hearing... I can see it, tied to your soul in the same way your Zanpakutou is. Like your friend Asumi, it is hollow." She paused a moment to let her words sink in, "It's unlike anything I've ever seen in all my years except in you and your friends. Perhaps it's from living in Hueco Mundo for so long? I cannot say for sure."

"...H-h-hollow?" the small meek man chirped, fearful of the words of that from her mouth... yes... what Asumi had changed into... the energy fired from her mouth.... it was akin to that of a hollow... Had she mentioned it? had she told them? he... can't remember... it was all so fuzzy, he was so relieved that he couldn't remember what she told them!

Living in Hueco Mundo...

Not like anything she has seen in him or his friends....

....

"You noticed it too, lord Chosi..."

"...Noticed what?"

"She has been watching us...." thought Chosi to his spirits.

"...Will you not... scold me for hiding my nature from you my lord?"

"I knew... I guess... There really was only one thing you could be, especially after watching Asumi change there was only one thing... You could be..." He thought... letting it sink in for himself.

He was an intelligent shinigami, after all, it's not beyond his deduction to come to this conclusion...

His intelligence has gotten him this far, along with the apparent need for others to protect him...

That, or protect their only source of water.

"...This hollow... Inside me... is the potential you talked about... Right?" he asked, looking deep in thought. "...How... Can I use its power." He asked the woman before him, getting a sudden jump from Kuraken.

"Chosi! yea don't be thinkin' of keepin' the salty bastard are ya!?"

"We need to get home Kuraken... that's all that matters now!"

"I..understand but..." For once, the zanpakuto seemed... unsure. "What if he... takes yea from me."

"That won't happen. You are me, and so is he."

"...You two know I can hear you easily."

"WE'RE HAVIN' A MOMENT YA DAMN HOLLOW SHARK CHUM!"

"Running out of good insults are you?"

Chosi shook his head before looking to Reina. "...Asumi went berzerk... Mine is calm and logical, I want to be in control of myself to help the others... how can I go about doing this?"

"Partially, it's certainly a source of untapped power. Though you have plenty of that on your own as well." She thought for a moment at his question, "Well, just from the way it's bound to you communicating and working with your other side can't be unlike working with your zanpakutou. Though I'm willing to admit I could be wrong, this is all new territory for the both of us after all."

Reina closed her eyes, continuing to mull over the situation, "You don't wish to hurt your friends so you shouldn't tap into this power for the first time near them..." Golden hues focused back on the shinigami once more, "Now, one such as myself... I could be able to handle you in your new form should things get out of hand. If you want, that is."

Chosi stared at the woman... She was most certainly strong... But... could he really...

"It shall be a tough battle lord Chosi... I fear we shall have to attempt to regain control once the deed is done..." The hollow spoke to him, honest about this situation. "I speak as such because of your mind, it allowed such a personality to flourish... even with all of this... Primal... SURGING.... power..." the voice rose, almost bestial for a moment...

"Lad... ya.. sure you want to keep down this road? I'm with ya all the way Chosi boy just don't get lost in yer own head..."

"Kuraken.. can't do it with me?"

"I fear he shall be of little use, for he will be in both of our hands..."

"..I see..."

Chosi mulled it over for a moment, thinking on it for a time.

To fight himself... Away from the others, away from his friends, but he'd be putting his newest one in danger as well.

If he can call her such at all...

"..I shall do it..." he spoke to Reina, having reached his conclusion. "I thank you for your help. This will be a learning experience for the both of us." The small man smiled, displaying a momentary display of maturity, even within his youthful features.

"...Let's.. begin. If you are ready." The small man sat upon the ground, crossing his legs. "I.. don't know what it will be like... I may change drastically. I'm sorry for anything I do.. or say..." He if can speak at all during this.

"I'll.. start... trying to do this... I'll see you soon." He flashed her a small, bright, earnest smile, before focusing once more...

"Very well," Reina said calmly, drawing her blade and casting aside the sheath for the time being. "Do not fret over my safety," she chuckled softly, "I would be a rather poor Espada should I fall here and now."

"Okay, I'll.. talk to you soon then..." he responded with a mighty amount of cheer, before lulling his head downwards.

"...Hollow... I am ready..."

"...Are you truly?'

"Yes... let's get this settled..."

"...As you wish... lord... Chosi..." With that... the world faded away...

================================================================================================================

Tempestuous winds nearly blew him over, his robes blew in the winds as the brine filled air crashed against his mighty vessel, he was here once more. The raging storm greeted him once more, heartily it seems, trying to push him over onto his backside like a rough old friend meeting him again after a long time away.

It had been a long time, a long time since he has been able to sit down, a long time since he has explored this unending chaos.

This was his inner world.

The seas that stretch on forever.

With unfathomable reaches, the occasional island, and a unreaching depth.

He struggled against the wind, standing steady once more as he braced himself against the rails, flags fluttered about above, as the sails billow in the gusts and turmoil. The wood creaked, the waters crashed, but he felt no fear for the ship breaking.

It never did.

And never would.

Unless he goes down first.

And it took more than an unending storm to take down Captain Hisakawa!

But upon this sea, he was not alone, for another ship sailed upon the horizon, a ship similar to his but touting different colors, bleach white as bone and sailing towards him. Built for war, but so was he, they were even matched, yet not quite so.

Taking to the wheel, he felt the control of the ship in his hands, he was ready, ready to lead it forwards to its destiny.

Lightning tore across the sky, thunder filling their hearts with its cacophonous roar, it was time...

Time to sail to war!

================================================================================================================

The transition took almost no time to complete, the mask enveloping his head as if it was always there, in hiding, ready to come forth at but a beck and call. Yellow eyes peek from the black sclera, gazing towards the woman before them, a shining gold mirroring her own. Draping over the mouth extended long tendrils, moving on their own accord as the crest of the mask extended back over his head with a dorsal fin like structure appearing upon the middle.

The beast huffed, before raising one of its tendrils, pointing towards Reina, revealing a sharp beak beneath. It was then, he fired his first bala.

...

Well...

The first of many it seems, as the other 9 tendrils sprung to life firing their own as the beast shifting up from the sand, leaving tufts of sand in its wake.

How interesting.... the way the hollow side already seemed to have full control of the body. This must have been what had happened during the full moon... With a little help from him of course. "You can even manifest bala already?" The Espada calmly deflected them with her blade, using her hand to swat away one that drew too close.

Reina pointed the tip of her sword at the best, "Well then, let's see if your young master lives up to my expectations shall we?"

The beasts circled around here, never letting up the barrage as it searched for a point where it could strike. Completing a circle it sudden stopped it's shooting and disappeared from view...

Leaving nothing but an eerie silence remaining in the air...

"Hm?" Well now, this was unexpected... Taking a slow breath she focused on her surroundings.

He couldn't evade her Pesquisa for long.

Her senses focused, showing her the location of the creature to be....

Right beneath her feet.

With great speed, it attempted to get the jump upon her leaping out from the ground with its tendrils outstretched to try and grab and bite at her arm with the sword.

"Tch," Reina leaped back just as he emerged. Pointing her finger at him, a dark violet sphere appeared, "Sorry Chosi..." The Espada murmured before firing a Bala of her own at him. It definitely had strong fighting instincts...

But were they Chosi's?

Or the hollow's...?

================================================================================================================

Explosions rattled through the air, the wind seared and whistled as the cannon's unloaded, each ship firing upon each other, letting loose a deafening blast of steel upon their counterpart. The storm continued to rage around them as the two ships steered against the flowing waters below, currents and waves pushing them to and fro.

Chosi could see but one man across the way, behind the veil of rain and with the lighting of the sky's rage he spotted him, a man much like himself. Purest white, much akin to his ship, save for the glowing golden eyes he could feel upon him as much as he stared at it.

He saw the man move, raise his hand and pointed towards the ship across. He couldn't hear it, but he could feel the command within him.

"Fire!"

Once again, he turned the wheel hard, steering his ship with a wave that sent him away from the shot. The cannons raked his deck with a hole or two and caused the small man to duck as one sailed just over his head. The ruptured air causing his ears to ring, he felt the screech of white noise crawl into his head, before returning with a roar of lightning.

He just kept firing... he had to do something!

But what? What could he do?

...

Idiot Chosi, damn idiot!

He rose his hand and called for him. "Kuraken!" And at once, it bid its master's call, the rope flailing in the wind, the weather-worn harpoon as his side.

And with a raise of the weapon, he tossed it towards the ship across the way, the weapon shot across much akin to shots fired before, planting deep into the side of the ship as the lined curled around the mast of his own to anchor the two. And now, the small captain began to pull away. At the point of which he was, the ship was pulled sideways, angled the cannons down into the waters instead!

With his opponent bound and tipped, he had his chance to strike!

"Fire!"

==============================================================================================================

The beast, singed but not out of the fight, rose its fingers Pointing towards the woman before it, acting quickly, it spoke in a garbled tongue as it's tendrils fired more balas upon her.

A bright streak of lightning came from its hand, powerful and searing it shot towards her from the man's fingers with deadly precision.

Bala... blasted things were always a nuisance to deal with, while easy enough to deflect. What she hadn't expected, however, was the blast from the spell. Kidou!?

Staggering back from the blow, Reina was clipped by a few more balas before regaining her bearings and deflecting them once more. So he could also use whatever spell he knew then... A fascinating blend of power.

But a dangerous one indeed.

Kicking up sand again the creature hid from view, simply enough for her to spot but it gave much more maneuverability as it almost swam through the underground like water...

It began circling around her once more.. waiting for an opening.. or perhaps reveling in its successful strike?

Either way... it seemed to wait...

Reina clicked her tongue, "Think I'll fall for the same trick twice?" With that she leaped in the air, using her own reiatsu to keep from returning to the sands below. "Though it seems I may have to get a little rougher with you..." Another Bala waited on her fingertips, "Shame I don't have binding spells like you shinigami..."

The beast froze at a point, her senses telling her another barrage was incoming.... it thought itself sneaky it seems.

"Did I confuse you?" She fired a barrage of her own - dialed back, of course. No sense in seriously injuring him after all.

The creature, instead of firing, gurgled once again, raising an almost tortoise shell-like shield above it'self, taking the impact of the bala... and Sending them right back!

Along with its own bala as well!

It emitted a noise that almost sounded like a laugh... Was it having fun?

Reina frowned at the incoming wave before disappearing from view. "Seems I shouldn't have held back," she mused from directly behind him. "Have a taste of a true Bala..."

"Squawk!?!?"

==============================================================================================================

The cannons roared to life, pelting the rival ship across the way, the ships grew closer and closer as the ropes pulled. The captain of the other ship, however, did not waste time. Taking up his own spear he did the same to Chosi's ship, causing the two ships to move closer to a point where the slanted ship's masts nearly touched!

Circling around one another, the cannons useless on both sides and very quickly soon going to crash into one another. The white haired man leaped atop of the ropes, and began to move closer to the other ship, his spear dislodging from the mast, curling around it like a snake and shooting back to his hand, Chosi followed suit, moving to the ropes himself...

He knew he was no tightrope walker, but this was HIS world damn it, and he wasn't going to be outdone!!

"I am Captain Hisakawa! Prepare to meet your death- Wha!" He gasped barely shifting out of the way of a stab. the two small men fought viciously on top of the rope.

"Ho! Ha! Guard! Turn! Parry! Dodge! Thrust!" the words popped into his mind, Kuraken being helpful as always. Chosi and his clone showed themselves to be... less than satisfactory warriors in terms of their weaponry, they held their balance, thrusting and attempting to blow one another off, but neither found purchase.

Until the white haired man quickly launched a lightning bolt out of his hand! Forcing Chosi to defend against the blue lightning with his own kido, a tortoise shell appearing over his body, the lightning impacting it and sparking over it like creeping claws made of light, too powerful to reflect, it forced the little man back, the shell slowly crack with each moment!

He knew, that if he didn't do something... he was done for.

He'd be struck back, the blow causing him heavy damage, he'd be stunned as well, likely wide open for a finishing strike!

But what could he do!?

There had to be something he could use to help him get the ball in his court...

The rope heaved slightly under the strain, bringing an idea to Chosi's mind... He couldn't wield Kuraken to well... But he didn't need to!

With a sudden heave Chosi focused all upon the rope that bound the ships together, tightening and tightening they came closer and closer together until the ships were capsizing completely upon their sides, the rocking of the ropes causing both kidou to fall, but Chosi kept up the offensive as the two boats creaked and moaned heavily, sounding as if they would soon almost split apart.

The world began to spin as below a large funnel of water began to show itself. the water's hungry maw awaited one of the men upon the ropes to fall in.

Lightning struck all around them as the storm raged further and further into its frenzy, the pouring rain pounding the two as they continued to strike at each other with their spears, scoring scraps, slashes, but never did either find time to back away to cast their spells nor rest during the onslaught. Blasts of water came around them, each attempting to knock the other off. Chosi closed the gap, about to strike until he was sprayed by the black ink from the white man's spear.

Dazed and blind he struggled to see, quickly losing his footing and falling off the rope!

But within his fall, he lashed up towards the rope that they stood upon and sliced it with the spear's edge! Grasping at the rope's cut end. Dangling above the edge of the whirlpool below. the white man also grasped towards another edge of the rope but met with a horrendous pain in his back...

Digging deep inside his body was the blade of a spear, plunging him low, deep into the yawning abyss below...

Chosi stared at the slowly falling man, watching and waiting for him to disappear.... Until a thing began to stir below, long tendrils reached up towards the falling morsel, a gaping beaked maw opened wide to consume the falling man, it was immense... Fearsome... and left as quickly as it came...

With its prize... consumed...

With some final words echoing through the air, Chosi began to emerge from his dream.

"Well done, my lord."

================================================================================================================

With a sudden shudder, Chosi began to wake up from his bestial state, staring high up at the sky he felt...

Horrible!!

He felt like he just withstood 31 explosions and ran several miles while doing so!!

Not to mention he had sand everywhere, and I mean EVERYWHERE!!!

He struggled to regain his lucidity, trying to figure out what happened, the little man struggled to his feet, looking around at the.. blackened, landscape.

"What... happened here?" He asked, looking around for Reina. Wait... no... he didn't!??!

"Nonononono! Reina! Reina! Where are you!?" He called out, looking incredibly worried, despite his pain.

"Easy..." Reina spoke in a low voice as she sat beside him, her sheathed sword resting in the sand beside her. Other than her robes being somewhat dirty she didn't seem injured. "I take it you were able to gain control?"

Without another world he clung onto the woman, slightly tearful, yet overjoyed that he did not actually hurt his friend. "Yes! I won!" He chirped happily, yet still, he hugged her, not opening his eyes or feeling embarrassed... just yet anyway.

Relief passed over his form... he felt so happy, so complete... so very tired...

"Are you okay?" He pulled away, looking at her, seeing a few singes here or there. "I... don't know if my healing works on Arrancar but... if I did do something please.."

The Espada blinked, clearly caught off guard by the hug before finally returning it. "Well done, Chosi..." Her soft voice sounded almost... proud for his victory, even if he was technically still a Shinigami. Her gentle smile seemed brighter as he pulled away, "I'm alright, your one spell stung a bit but that's already healed."

Reina studied him for a moment, "You should probably focus on tending to your own wounds, though. I ended up having to hit you pretty good so you wouldn't take off towards the camp." She shook her head, "We Arrancar don't have any healing abilities, otherwise I would have tended to your wounds by now."

"Oh... thank you!" He let out an earnest, joyful smile. "I... I don't know what happened but thank you oh so much! thank you!" He began thanking her profusely again and again. He was just so... Overjoyed! he felt like he could dance if his legs weren't nearly pudding!

"Oh, I should see to it them.. umm..." he drew out his zanpakuto, letting it become the spear. He began to manipulate the water it creates towards his own body, the soothing relief passing over him... And making him rather clean once again, though his hair looked much akin to seaweed now that it was wet.

"Umm... I.... Umm... As a... Well.. umm... I am... In your debt!" He gave a large bow towards the woman, his hair flipping over his head, making him a tad embarrassed, more than he already was. "You helped me, so much. Even if our first meeting was... Well... Those guys hurt..." He rubbed the back of his wet head. "But, if there is anything I can do please don't hesitate to ask! I never thought I'd find somebody like you here in this land!

Thank you, thank you for everything!"

"You're very welcome," Reina pushed herself to her feet, collecting her cane sword once more. "All I need you to do is work on mastering that new power, making sure you're the one in control." She leaned closer to him, lowering her voice, "Once you've done that, I'll teach you how to open a Garganta... A gate back to Soul Society."

The small man beamed, he was almost smiling too brightly to look at. "I will!" He clenched his fists together before him, looking like an enthusiastic child for a second. "I promise I will, I'll get stronger to help the others. And you of course!" He grinned, before realizing something.

"Oh! I need to get back. I hope to see you again soon!" He bid his goodbyes with a small wave before using Kuraken's rope to slingshot himself off back towards the camp.

"Bye!!"