Torn skies, Shaking grounds

[EvilAngel]

Cracks in the sky began to form. Soon afterward the sky was ripped open only for the Menos that opened it to crash down through it. As it landed anyone with the ability to see it could see one half of its head was charred and scorched. Even with chunks of flesh missing. Slowly the tear began to close, sealing shut the gate between the two worlds. Before it could Saranos shot out of it swooping down and landing onto the ground with a loud pound. He instinctively looked about him. He was in the world of the living again. The only difference to his mind being he was trading in the likelihood of him being eaten for likelihood of him being attack by a shinigami, or some variant.

He raised one of his front claws to the Meno’s body and ripped a slab off, quickly snatching it up and devouring it. The meat was not as tasty as humans, or shinigami, but there was at least enough to satisfy his lustrous-hunger, if only temporarily. He checked his surroundings again before taking another mouthful. He was certain it would not be long before other hollows and the sword slingers would come, he’d prefer to be finished by then, and so he continued to eat quickly, checking constantly in-between every bite.

He raised his head and cocked it to one side, sniffing the air. Oh, and there was that. He realised tearing more right from the body of the fallen Menos. The air was very thin here. He remembered it being weaker than what it was now for some odd reason, but it was still weaker than back in Hueco Mundo. He bit the Menos harder than he needed to for his next mouthful. With it’s last act he left him in the world of the living. For a stupid creature it knew how to cause irritations for him well.

[Shinzu]

The skies darkened as cracks bled from its centre. With a screech that resonated into the air, the portal widened, giving way to the creature that lurked in its murky depths. As the figure dropped down from the sky, the impact alerted all those in the surrounding area of his presence. By now the rip in the dimension had already began to fade back into nothingness, though as it did so the hollows eyes remained locked at it, as if expecting something else to fly out.

"Good I’ve lost them." he whispered to himself.

Having lost the assailants who were previously tracking him down, Ezequiel let out a sigh of relief before scanning the new surroundings. Much to his surprise, in front of him stood or rather laid an beaten menos which looked like it had been severely scorched and ripped apart by a pack of hounds. Looking closer, he noticed a second hollow which resembled some kind of winged lizard, munching down on the injured menos whom seemed almost lifeless or more likely dead at this point.


"Looks like your enjoying your little snack there."

[EvilAngel]

Saranos rose looking over the menos to see who had spoken. As he did so he instinctively placed a claw on what was left of the menos’ face, as if to claim it. Before he could act on the impulse of eating anything so small, he realised it was infact a hollow, not a human or shinigami which such a size initially caused him to believe it was. He just looked at the hollow, unsure of exactly how to respond to this. The thought of just killing him anyway crossed his mind, but not that his hunger was dulled his mind was allowed to work. He was curious. Such a little thing dared to approach him? Did he forget hollows were cannibals or was he just not that bright?

He moved around the corpse of the menos, approaching the tiny creature. He stopped before the tiny hollow and lowered his mouth so it was level with it.

“I could swallow you whole little one” He spoke, his deep voice echoing across the park in which they stood. Still he would never admit it, but he was rather impressed with the little hollow. To approach one such as himself so freely took some serious nerve.

“Speak, What is it you seek to find, or lose” He said with an air of darkness in his last two words.

[Shinzu]

Ezequiel’s eyes darted back to the menos as the dragon like creature began to guard it as if he was marking his territory or something along those lines. Despite the clear difference in size, he stood his ground as the other hollow approached him with a menacing look carving itself onto his face. From this distance he could clearly smell the scent of rotting flesh which was being emitted from the dragon’s teeth or rather the slabs of meat which were skewered onto them. It was hard to tell whether or not this immense creature was a friend or foe, however Ezequiel intended to find out.

“You probably could swallow me. Though I could just as easily punch my way out of your gut.”

He watched closely at the hollows reaction, its importance being that it would determine whether or not this little conversation would end in a fight. Although with his choice of a rather humorous tone, there was no guarantee that the over sized lizard wouldn’t take it as an insult. Well either way the damage had been done, leaving no reason to be polite anymore. Although even if that comment didn’t anger the hollow, Ezequiel’s next one would no doubt have some kind of effect on him.

“My purpose? Well why don’t you tell me your name first, or should I refer to you as lizard-lips from now on?” His words were spoken in a cocky tone, aimed to test the hollows patience.

[EvilAngel]

There was a pause. Suddenly Saranos emitted a low rumble which was in fact his laughing. The little hollow was spunky if nothing else. He liked him already, perhaps he wouldn’t eat him after all.

“You have heart little one.” he rumbled. “Very well, I shall tell you my name.” he said pausing “My name is Arruinar Saranos.”

He was contined to be intrigued by the little creature. For what purpose exactly did he need to know his name? Was it in any way relevant to anything? Why was he speaking to him freely? Did he want something to eat?

All these questions and more kept the Hollow from loosing interest, and from trying to eat the smaller hollow.

“If it is food you seek, then eat fast little hollow. It takes no mind to realise the commotion this kill caused will be attracting less-talkative hollows than yourself, aswell as those irksome sword-waving fools.” He advised, gesturing towards his kill freely. Under normal circumstances he would kill anyone who tried to eat his kill, out of nothing more than greed and pride. But for now he would allow the focus of his current interest to feed freely. He thought of it as a reward for displaying some bravery, whilst not being arrogently so forward.

[Shinzu]

“You have heart little one.”

You could only imagine Ezequiel's surprise upon hearing this after repeatedly imagining himself being sent flying into a nearby building. Luckily however since this was hopefully not going to happen any time soon, he decided to hold back any more insults he had lined up as to not risk enraging the creature who had now revealed himself as Arruinar Saranos. Deciding to return the gesture, the hollow stood firm and spoke, revealing the rows of jagged teeth behind his mask.

“Thanks for the offer but I’ve just had a Shinigami flavored feast that would last me a while. Oh and the names Ezequiel.”

Despite his previous clear lack of interest in dinning on the menos, the hollow quickly changed his mind as he ripped a chunk of flesh with his claws and swallowed it whole. “Although being chased around Seireitei did end up causing some of that food to burn up rather quickly.” With a single slab of meat being more than enough to fill the hollow up, he toke a look around the surrounding area noticing that it was surprisingly intact despite a battle with a menos to have suggestively taken place.

“How did you end up killing the big guy over here so easily? There doesn’t seem to be much damage around the street.” Questioned the hollow whilst leaning against Arruinar’s fallen prey.

[EvilAngel]

Saranos watched the hollow with interest. It was quite peculiar. Very different to other hollows. In fact if he were to relate it’s attitude to anything it was quite like a shinigami. At least in it’s behaviour. It seemed to favour talking and manners over physical display. While he knew all hollows were capable of this, to actually behave so was a different story. That wasn’t the world they lived in. Their world was harsh, and cruel. It was survival of the fittest. All of this swirled around in his mind before he formed his opinion of his guest. He was most likely a very strong and old hollow. To be able to act as he did was all the proof he needed of it. To ‘get used’ to such a lifestyle would take decades, nay, hundreds of years. It’s mentality was stable, it was able to think clearly. All of this continued to intrigue Saranos. So much so any thought of attacking him was fading out of his mind completely.

He didn’t react to the hollow giving it his name. Honestly such a gesture was so foreign to Saranos it was alien. He simply didn’t know how or why, and didn’t try to.

“Most of the damage done to him occurred in Hueco Mundo. It appears in desperation it sought to flee to the real world. Apparently unaware I could also enter his garganta.” He said lazily. “In it’s dying effort it brought me here” he summarized resentfully. He would make it no secret he detested the real world. The thinness of the air was disgusting. And decent sized meals were infinitely more difficult to come by.

About the only good thing was the fact that the souls here were more tasty for their size. But that wasn’t near enough to compensate for Saranos’ taste. He continued to keep his senses aware for newcomers, certain that the next would be more hostile than the current.

[Shinzu]

The large hollow was noticeably starting to show interest in Ezequiel. Were his actions really so peculiar? Then again this was the first time he had sat down and really had a conversation with a fellow hollow whilst not being in a fight, nor having the intent to start one for that matter. Usually the hollow was very practical when approaching strangers, attacking first and asking questions later. Maybe it was the hollows size that through him off or maybe the fact that it had taken down a menos with little to no injuries to show for it, either way this was one time Ezequiel was glad that he let his mouth do the talking rather than his fists.

There was something about the creatures tone however, a hint of detest or perhaps resentment came into mind as he talked about taking down the menos. Did he pity killing it? No, that would be unlike a hollow, especially this one who carried an air of pride around himself. Nothing sprang into mind immediately but maybe it had nothing to do with what he had killed but rather where he had killed it. Personally, Ezequiel loved the human world for the sole fact that it was practically a giant picnic basket. Other hollows probably wouldn’t understand this reasoning however after hundreds of years feeding, this one had found and marked its own territory in key locations which were abundant in strong human souls. These prime hunting locations had made things so easy that more than once or twice, the hollow had found himself wandering into soul society just so he could work up a sweat before beginning his feeding frenzy.

"I suppose you don't like this world very much?"

Having felt that he had quenched his curiosity, Ezequiel remained silent for the time being to allow the other hollow to ask something if he felt in a sociable mood.

[EvilAngel]

“No I do not” he spat almost testily. “The air here is insufferably faint.” he said sniffing, as though to be certain. Still, he couldn’t help but be reminded the air here was better than he recalled the human world’s to be. A fact which seemed small and insignificant, but at the same time he found irritating. It was like forgetting something you know you know. Yet different.

He didn’t mention it though. He wasn’t the type to talk freely to others. He kept it to himself, pretending either that he didn’t notice, or he didn’t care. Which in truth was mostly factual. To his mind such knowledge was equivalent to useless, as he preferred Hueco Mundo no matter what the answer were to be.

He could feel the presence of other spiritually powerful being approach, one from the north, two from the south and south east and one from the west.

“You don’t have long left to feed little ‘Ezequel’, Less you wish to fight for you meal from scavengers” he warned the small hollow, resist the urge to continue to call him little hollow instead attempting to use his name.

[Shinzu]

The world the hollows came from was rich in the stench of death. More than once Ezequiel wondered if the white sands he and so many others trod upon were not actually the remains of other creatures, eroded and scattered as they were erased from the pages of history. It felt just like home, with the exception of the other hollows that resided there. Their deaths were so meaningless regardless of how strong they were, there was no one to mourn or even realize that they had disappeared, making each and every battle fought there as pointless as their own existence.

Not here however, Ezequiel always found a sense of satisfaction knowing that just ending a single life here would result in a domino effect. It was a truly wonderful image, picturing himself as the god of this world. Despite knowing that he didn’t have enough power to claim his thrown just yet, he still held this belief close to him as he intended to one day bring this goal into reality. Noticing that he had wandered off a bit, probably seeming like he had been starring off into space to the other hollow, he readjusted his focus back to Saranos just before he sensed something approaching.

“I have already finished and have no reason to continue feeding. However, if the incoming roaches dare to cross paths with me then I shall end their meaningless existences with no mercy.” There was now a noticeably different tone in the hollows voice, just slightly hinting at frustration. His eyes now burned with anger as he grit his teeth, grinding it rigorously. I’ll kill all who stand in my way, he thought to himself.

[EvilAngel]

“So battle hungry” Saranos thought rather pleased with his guest. He couldn’t take in this fact without realising something else. If he was so battle hungry, why not fight me?

Saranos quickly drew his own conclusions. It was to be expected in his opinion. No one of intelligence would want to do battle with him. It wasn’t the sign of intelligence atleast. For a mere hollow he was too big, too powerful, ultimately not someone worth trying to kill to eat, nor dangerous enough to send someone truly strong enough to defeat him, from a shinigami’s perspective.

“A fiery little spirit you are, aren’t you” Saranos stated rather obviously. Easily noticing the change in Ezequiel’s mood.

The incoming presences drew closer. Soon they would be within sight.

Saranos on the other hand had no intentions of fighting. Not if it meant fighting that was. Most hollows fell between 20-8 feet in size, which meant usually no matter what their ability any confrontation between them and Saranos was definitely no fight. It was akin to a Great White finding a Blue Shark. Sure the blue shark is a predator, but he’s just a snack to the Great White.

[Shinzu]

Ezequiel stepped off the carcass of the menos and toke a few steps forward as he tried to focus on the incoming danger. From the sheer amount of reiatsu they were oozing, at first it only felt like one or two hollows, however what only seemed like a few stray creatures seeking out the rotting meat soon erupted into a swarm of hungry predators. Soon to be reaching the two hollows field of vision, an army of hungry creatures began to enter the area.

“I suppose you’ll be leaving too?”

Since the two hollows were going to be greatly outnumbered even if both of them decided to fend off the attack, it would only be a matter of time before they were over run and unable to fight back. Realizing this, Ezequiel decided it would be best to make a retreat, besides the mindless creatures were only after the prey Saranos toke down, which meant it had nothing to do with him. However he did wait for a reply before making his way toward the exit route, after all if Saranos did have some kind of special gift that would allow him to take down the incoming threat then it would be valuable knowledge if ever these two hollows became enemies.

[EvilAngel]

Saranos’ expression hardened, he exhaled hard, emitting smoke.

“Me, leave my kill to scavengers?” He questioned bemused and surprised “Little hollow, you have much to learn” he said before kicking off the ground hard. He flew up and away, also as though he was leaving before turning and flying back.

As he approached the corpse he unleashed a wide spray of flame. He flew along the corpse of the menos, igniting it as he flew. Not stopping until the entire thing was alight. The intense heat burning away the flesh of the menos. As the thing was now dead it’s resistance to the attack had all but evaporated, allowing the flame to burn through the flesh without the resistance a live one would possess.

His action was likely confusing to most, but once one understood Saranos’ past and present then it all made quite good sense. In life he was proud, of course he was, he was the guard of a power and important Lord. It was his duty to act in a certain manner, and his abilities in battle were trained to be until they were of the highest level. While this memory has not been carried, his character has. Well, the aspect of being proud certainly had been. However, no Hollow could live for so long as he, while maintaining such pride. It would get you killed. As a result, Saranos’ pride was twisted into a spiteful arrogance. He would not permit any who he did not approve of to take what he deemed as his. No matter what that meant. So rather than abandon the corpse, knowing full well fighting the endless tide of hungry hollows would only result in one way, he chose something else. Because he could.

He slowly landed from where he had taken off, next to the searing corpse of the menos. The undying flames consume the corpse. He looked at the smaller hollow, studying his reaction.

At the same time many of the incoming hollows, seeing what befell their meal turned and left. Others stood there watching to see if anything remained. It was likely the more desperate ones might attack, but truly those would be weakened with hunger, and only possessed the lowest level of a threat.

[Shinzu]

Much to his surprise, Ezequiel was almost more than certain that Saranos was about to wage war on the swarming maggots as he toke off into the air. Curiously however, his actions were converse to what everyone in the area was most likely expecting. Keeping up with his appearance, the dragon engulfed the menos of in a sea of flames, leaving it to be reduced into a pile of ashes. Its strong stench was carried into the air by a sudden gust of wind, sparking anger in the minds of the few hollows which choose to remain.
One savage beast in particular caught Ezequiel’s eye; a pitch dark creature with ripple like patterns edged onto its back, seemingly circling the blazing carcass.

Sensing that the mindless beast could attack at any moment out of pure rage, the hollow slammed his fist into the wall, tearing it down as he did so. As the rubble tumbled down, small insects began to crawl out from the setting dust which flung themselves onto the bonfire. That being just before darting back out and onto the dark beast, igniting it and sending it into a frenzy of screaming before it dropped to the floor, charred beyond recognition.

“Neat trick wouldn’t you say?”

Ezequiel was clearly proud of his effortless kill, although it was a wise decision to strike first before it had the chance to show any hostility. It had also served as a warning to the remaining savages who had began to retreat back into the safety of Hueco Mundo, that being with the exception of one or two who were feeling brave. Then again, the hollow had made sure to use the power he was gifted with in such a way that it would be near impossible to tell what had just happned. In fact to Saranos, it probebly just looked as if the bugs had gone mad in fear and everything else that followed had just been a wondrous fluke.

[EvilAngel]

Saranos observed as the little hollow seemed to create his own insectiod army. So that was why he was so small. If his power was to literally create others to fight for him then there was no sense in having a large body to maintain. He was likely also very fast, and good at evading. Still, he probably could do some damage on his own if given the chance, Saranos supposed.

“An unusual power.” Saranos mused aloud. After a moments thought he spoke again “I see. So this place is your ideal hunting ground over Hueco Mundo” he said assumingly. It added up, the large open plains didn’t suit him as much as the labyrinth city the humans always had. The little one had just displayed good use of his surroundings to kill another hollow rather effortlessly.

Which in turn was good enough to confirm his other theory; being that this little hollow was both old, and powerful. Yes the hollows that were remaining were likely desperate therefore weak, but even so, to kill them so effortlessly was in its own right quite remarkable. It was with a wave of a hand that he killed the hollow.

The flames were now burning through the menos entirely, most of it was gone into the air now. Filling the air with an appalling stench. Still, not that Saranos minded. He was quite used to it. Infact he almost enjoyed the scene.

[Shinzu]

After giving the surrounding area one last scan, it became apparent that the few hollows which had the courage to remain had quickly given up on scavenging what was left of the menos and fled the scene. Of course by now the only remnants that remained of it was the ashes which were quickly being scattered by the wind and the pungent odder, which unfortunately showed no signs of disappearing any time soon.

“Naturally Id prefer this domain. There’s an abundance of materials here capable of fueling my powers and just as many human souls for it to target.”

This of course was nothing more than a small portion of the power Ezequiel had tapped into. Soon he would be able to create larger life forms, possibly even other hollows and all he needed to do to reach that stage was to grow stronger by praying on powerful souls. Having felt that he had once again wandered off into thoughts of the distant future, a nose full of the rotting stench slapped the hollow back into reality.

Looking up at the clouds he couldn’t help but wonder how long he had spent talking to Saranos. The sky had begun to glow in rays of bright orange, a sickening sight to Ezequiel who was still used to the constant darkness that shrouded the Hueco Mundo skies. Taking a few steps forward, a loud screech followed a series of black veins which rooted out from the hollows hands; the very act of conjuring up a Garganta signaled to Saranos that the hollow was preparing to leave, however before approaching the dark portal the hollow had one last thing to say.

“Well it’s been fun so to speak, but there’s still something on my mind. I know you’re curious about it too. Just which one of us is stronger do you think?” The hollow put heavy emphasis particularly on the last couple of words he spoke, mainly in an attempt to spark some interest.

[EvilAngel]

As the remaining hollows left Saran laid down, folding his left claw over his right, resting his head on his arms. He had no intention of moving for awhile. He didn’t react to the other hollows words. He’d already worked that out. Still, he wonder momentarily what he meant by it before he saw the garganta open.

“Well it’s been fun so to speak, but there’s still something on my mind. I know you’re curious about it too. Just which one of us is stronger do you think?”

Saranos closed his eyes. The more he spoke with the hollow the younger he felt the hollow was. Or maybe he was getting old. Who could say.

If the small hollow was trying to instigate a fight he was doing it wrong. That, and it didn’t seem like that was his direct intention. Besides, if you wanted to fight someone, why speak of it? Just attack. Saranos left the little hollow waiting before answering back himself.

“The fate of a hollow is to die. Be it in the hollow stage then the hollow was no strong enough to evolve. Those hollows are trash.” he stated, opening his eyes and looking at the hollow. “Should you survive this stage, little one, we will cross paths again. Perhaps then we may find an answer to your question.” he said, closing his eyes once more, feeling he said what he needed to make the hollow realise the truth of his response.

He waited to see what the odd little creature before him would say or do in response. He expected both nothing and everything. So far he’d been perplexed by him, he wouldn’t pretend to be able to guess his response now.

[Shinzu]

Picturing his reunion with Saranos, the hollow stepped in the dark portal and began to fade into its murky depths as he let out a short laugh. As quickly as the crack in time appeared, it had healed itself leaving no trace of its existence, except for a echo which resonated outward for the hollow which choose to remain. “Good reply. Next time we meet I intend to seek the answer to that question.” And thus the two hollows had begun walking upon their separate cross roads which were destined to once again meet.

[Exit]