Love bugs and Lyme Disease (Social, R, Closed)

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

Still and silent like a statue, Shikitsuhiko meditated. Meditation was a daily ritual for him, believing it was the gateway to wisdom and connectivity. He would remain this way for hours. Unmoved by the ever-shifting call of Hueco Mundo. It was during this time that he felt most connected to the world around him. It was through meditation that he was able to sharply focus his senses, using them to his advantage during battle. They were one of his greatest assets, and deserved care and attention. He could hear the shifting of the sands, the shrieks of hollows, and the footsteps of the arrancar pacing Las Noches. 

Where he sat, a long, spacious balcony overlooking Las Noches, was the ideal location. He had a range of sensory experiences here. He could hear a great deal of what was going on, but he could also feel the the movement around him. The sun caressed his skin, allowing him to the feel the warmth he admired about the human world. Unlike some Arrancar, he was partial to the sunlight within Las Noches. He enjoyed the way it felt when the sun touched his skin, much in the same way he enjoyed other tactile sensations. The feeling of sand or the cool touch of water. For him, it was another experience worth enjoying. 

He could hear the footsteps of another slowly approaching his location. Unlike the other footsteps, they were lighter, more agile. Shikitsuhiko was seldom interrupted while meditating. It was Lagos who often interrupted this sacred process with her child-like demands, wanting to explore or venture out on a mission. He was content continuing his ritual, unencumbered by the woes of the many that moved about Las Noches. Of course, if Lord Kouhai were to beckon him, he would go without any hesitation. He felt the figure coming closer. "It isn't often I receive visitors. What do I owe for this visit?" He said, remaining still in his meditative posture. 

[Myzaraphiston Synderfell]

Myza hadn't set out to interrupt a fellow Espada's meditation. Indeed, she tried to come to this location at this time regularly precisely because there was almost nobody around to begin with. After all, it would be quite annoying if she had to educate some less intelligent Hollow or Arrancar in the finer aspects of not spying on a lady while she was barely dressed. And if there was one thing the Septima Espada didn't want during a relaxing sunbathing session, it was an annoyance.

Yet as she walked towards her usual balcony, she felt the energy presence of... Someone new. It was an Arrancar, that much was blatantly clear. And a rather powerful one at that. Honestly, it was surprising that she hadn't felt this individual before. Perhaps someone among the Espada had been replaced? Myza paused in her advance momentarily, considering the possibility. There had been a vacancy created in the Cuarta position by Lord Ryu's promotion. That, or someone had realized that Sargon was mostly bluff and bluster and finally replaced him. Either option was welcome as far as Myza was concerned. In any case, she would need to speak with this new individual to quickly get a feel for how the change process had been for him. And so, the Septima would walk onto the balcony, a folded lawnchair under her left arm.

"Excuse my interruption," Myza said, her tone bubbly and light as she began to unfold her chair, the metal making some slight screeching sounds "I am Myzaraphiston Synderfell, the Septima Espada. And you?"

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

Shikitsuhiko remained motionless as his fellow Espada introduced herself. She had an unusually pleasant demeanor, unlike many other arrancar in Las Noches. Most were far too preoccupied with their own egos and self-interest to bother with pleasantries. While not the most social arrancar, he valued decency and refinement, which most appeared to lack. He wondered whether she was different, or if this encounter was atypical behavior for the Septima Espada. His curious and contemplative nature was piqued, but even among allies, he would remain circumspect. 

Without moving his body, he responded to Myza's inquiry. "I am Shikitsuhiko Isayama, Cuarto Espada." He stated plainly. Shikitsuhiko had a rather distinctive, baritone voice, much lower than one might suspect by looking at him. His voice is often perceived as having a trustworthy and soothing quality to it. This might explain why many trust him long before learning of his loyal nature. "It appears I am not the only one who finds this to be a desirable location. Many Arrancar have an aversion to the sun that shines brightly over Las Noches, but, like me, you appear to enjoy it." He found his interest growing for this encounter.

He rather enjoyed those Arrancar who did not fit the typical mold. He detested the brash, insolent, and impulsive nature many embodied. They did themselves a disservice by indulging in those most undesirable traits. They proved useful in the short-term as their boldness and impulsivity would resemble some form of effectiveness. It would soon wear off and those around them would be able to see their flaws. Their lack of care and precision. Brute strength seldom agrees with every exchange. "How often do you visit this portion of Las Noches?"

[Myzaraphiston Synderfell]

Myza would give Shikitsuhiko a quick glance up and down, noting the other Espada's attire. Most of his clothing was rather traditional for Los Noches, but there was one object that was different among the ensemble. It was a dark greenish-blue band wrapped around his eyes, with small slits cut into the front of it. It was an odd choice, that much was certain. After all, while he might possess some vision through it, it would still be quite a noticeable impediment in even everyday life. Of course, he might be wearing it for the meditation he was doing now. Regardless, he wasn't exactly able to see much anyways a this moment, which meant she could proceed as originally planned.

"It's my pleasure to meet you Lord Shikitsuhiko," the Septima said, dipping into a light bow. "And yes, I do quite enjoy taking in some sunlight. It's nice to lay back, and take it in while I look over some memories." With that, Myza would stand straight again, stretching some before reaching towards the shoulders of her black dress. With a quick motion, she would slip off her clothing, revealing a view of her body many individuals across all the realms would kill for. She folded up her dress, and then laid down on her lawnchair. The Septima would remain quiet for a while, the same slight smile on her face as she suntanned. Then, she spoke once more.

"If you don't mind, I would like to ask you some questions about what you remember of your human life. It would help wonderfully with my studies into the development of the Chosen People."

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

Shikitsuhiko could hear Myza's action and sense the vibrations of her movement. He was unfazed by her relatively provocative behavior. In a small way, he appreciated her bravado and free spirit. Even so, without his sight she was free to dress and comport herself as she liked. The more curious part of their interaction was her interest in memories. "...look over some memories." How odd. Such a comment raised a number of questions about the Septima Espada, both of her interests and disposition.

"Memories." He said plainly with no emotion. "Some memories are unforgettable, remaining ever vivid. Though this is often only true for humans." His voice trailed off as he peered into recesses of his mind. "Once the thralls of hunger abrogate your basic properties, it is only understandable to have all that you were erased." His body remained still as he spoke softly to Myza. "I'm not convinced that the recollection you speak of is anything more than confabulation. The 'chosen people' you speak of are born empty, resigned to an existence where memories are merely distorted fragments. Who exists to corroborate whether these memories are not merely misinterpreted threads from the many pieces we consumed in our effort to evolve?" He questioned aloud.

Myza's inquiry inadvertently raised important questions he had asked himself over the course of his life as a hollow. What was real except now and beyond. Life as a human was a conundrum, and something he contemplated in his earlier stages of being a hollow. Not so much now. He felt it only raised more unanswered questions. He found it equally perplexing that she would find herself so enamored by the memories of a past life when she identified the hollow race as a chosen people. They had to shed their old, impure lives in order to reach this level of strength, so the inquiry felt unimportant. Shikitsuhiko, however, was a man of wisdom. He felt no reason to argue his point or dissuade her from hers. He turned his head and politely responded further. " I remember very little from my life before becoming a hollow. The uncertainty of what is real and not once plagued my thoughts. I have transcended those fears, but admire your curiosity. It is unclear whether this memory is true, but I can see flashes of myself, or what I believe to be me. I saw those who called themselves my friends. I also saw the man who I assume ended my mortal life."

[Myzaraphiston Synderfell]

"I admit it is difficult for most people to verify the truth behind memories," Myza responded, smirking some. "I am not such an individual. I can assure you that once you proceed past the Gillian stage, the memories that one has are of the dominant soul, barring very rare exceptions. Being a base Hollow is, sadly, one of the hardest periods to remember. Hunger clouds your thoughts, constantly gnawing away at your every moment, and never relenting. But your human life...."

Myza paused for a moment, a frown coming to her face. She really should have known better by now, than to bring up former humanity. Finding out about what lead others to Hollowification was fine and well, but thinking about her own circumstances was.... aggravating, to put it mildly. The Septima clenched her fists for a moment, sharply exhaling from her nose as she did so. A part of her was happy that Marcelius wasn't around at the moment. She didn't want anyone to know exactly the combination of emotions that she was experiencing at the moment.

"That tends to stay," she said through gritted teeth, her reiatsu starting to flare up some. "Whether you like it or not. They define the transformation from a Lesser Race to a Hollow, and are what carry you through to being one of God's Chosen People. They're vital for subsuming the other spirits who longed for control, for forging you into a more worthy individual." Myza went quiet again after that, glowering as Shikitsuhiko summarized his own mortal experiences. She sat still for a moment, before taking a deep breath.

"Forgive my outburst," she said, her tone still terse. "My memories of my humanity are distinctly unpleasant. I tend to react poorly to thinking about them, even after all these centuries. Please, elaborate on your own experiences, if you wish to. It will help with my research."

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

Shikitsuhiko listened as the woman spoke. He could sense her frustration. She was quick to allow herself to be overcome by emotion. Overwhelming emotion was a barrier to knowledge. He believed it prevented people from seeing things clearly, though he did find merit in some emotional experiences. Strong emotions could be terribly misguiding. They subvert our more logical attributes. Despite her reaction, he was unmoved. He remained still, his body contained in a meditative position. "You speak as though your perception of this world is infallible. What an impressive display of confidence." He responded indifferently.

Shikitsuhiko could not relate to Myza's reaction. He felt it was irrelevant to contemplate our lives before becoming a hollow. What purpose did it serve? A pursuit of knowledge, perhaps, but nothing more. Despite Shikitsuhiko's curious nature, he selected his curiosities wisely. There were many things about life that he felt warranted very little attention. He wondered what it was about Myza that brought her to become so fascinated by humanity, as it relates to hollows. He disposed of those concerns long ago, though the flashbacks were mildly intriguing. 

"God's chosen race." He uttered to himself, as if to contemplate the meaning of such words. He wondered what God she spoke of. Was she truly that loyal to Kouhai or was it another she idolized? "Describe your God to me. Is he solely responsible for our creation?" Shikitsuhiko's interest was an earnest one. He genuienly found Myza's words oddly curious and wanted to better understand her perspective. In a similar vein, he thought of this was an obsession. He saw no value in declaring himself a member of a chosen people. He wanted to preserve Hueco Mundo and its inhabitants, but couldn't justify seeing them as children of some deity. And yet, he felt they had the potential to be superior to other races. It was an unusual conundrum. "I can further elaborate on what I remember if you respond to my question" He said politely. 

[Myzaraphiston Synderfell]

Myza's frown began to transition to a full-on scowl as Shiki began to speak. The Septima would raise a finger for a moment, pointing directly towards the Cuarta's head. It would be so easy to just fire a Bala towards his face right now, and he deserved it, mocking her like he was. But on the other hand, the conversation had been going well. It would be a shame to end it now just because the Cuarta was an insensitive idiot. The Septima huffed, eventually putting her finger down as Shiki moved on to his next question.

"Allow me to save you some trouble here," Myza said, her tone still annoyed. "I am speaking of Yahweh. You may know of him as Jehovah, or the Almighty. When I say God's Chosen People, I mean God. I don't understand why anyone thinks I mean differently from that."

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

Shikitsuhiko embodied a particularly languid sensibility, lacking any interest in such confrontations and showing tremendous care for his actions. He was not easily provoked even when confronted by aggressive behavior. Most who felt it necessary to radiate a threatening presence, both in action and demeanor, were woefully misguided individuals. He felt it was such a careless use of their time and energy. Even so, he was not among those so audacious to share his every opinion. It never felt useful or productive. He was content quietly contemplating the world and leaving them to decide their own actions, as long as he was unaffected.

Shikitsuhiko's body sighed, as if to find Myza's actions tiring. "You decided in favor of inaction." He stated unflappably. "So many of our fellow Arrancar find themselves encumbered by truculence and impulsiveness. I see no reason to make their numbers larger." He continued impassively. Myza was clearly unaware of Shikitsuhiko's skill, but it would seem he could see all that she was doing. Catching him off guard would be a difficult task. He could feel her every movement. He could sense so much about a person, most of which went unnoticed by most. Her frustration was noticeable, but nonetheless ineffectual. 

Truthfully, Shikitsuhiko didn't much care for beliefs about her god. No power was higher than Lord Kouhai. However, he was equally disinterested in engaging her about her beliefs. When you're as fanatical as she, reason and logic seldom apply. He felt that she would have enough proof when the day came that she died, either honorably or dishonorably. Like many others, she would expect to meet her god, but no such god would show himself. She was welcome to have her beliefs, as long as she served Kouhai. Betrayal would be the only thing to provoke action. His observations so far had him convinced that she was much too comfortable in her current position. She wouldn't risk it for an uncertain future. 

Myza's condescending tone was simply ignored as he maintained a rigid, meditative posture. Despite her tone, it was enjoyable to have another intelligent Arrancar around. Too often is he surrounded by the ignorant and adolescent. Myza had an elegance that he liked, though her quickness for aggressiveness and dogma impeded such a notably desirable attribute. "Your tone is unnecessary. My questions are not intended to discredit your beliefs." His tone was steady and gentle, practically soothing in nature. "Those threatened by inquiry call their own beliefs into question, not those asking them." He added bluntly. "You don't seem like the type of person who would allow someone else to unsettle you so easily. I could be wrong about your level of composure, I suppose." His speech was precise and possessed a stoic quality. 

[Myzaraphiston Synderfell]

Myza's scowl intensified as the Cuarta spoke again, his condescension still blatantly obvious despite his tone. Here she was, trying to have a polite conversation, and Shikitsuhiko decided to ruin it by being an arrogant bastard. If she had wanted backtalk from an Espada who hadn't even proven his worth yet, she would have sought out Sargon. But the Cuarta had seemed far more interested in trying to say that every belief she had was wrong than actually participating in a conversation.

Myza snorted. If he wanted to be so rude, then the Septima could play that game too. She focused in her energy sensing capabilities upon the other Espada, flickers of memory already starting to pop up as she looked deep into the man's reiatsu. It wasn't an open book, but that didn't matter to Myza. She could see enough for now, and could learn everything she needed to know about the man in time. Quickly, she would see an important memory, one of a very singular object.

"I see," Myza said, a smile coming to her face, her eyes burning with what could only be described as vindictive satisfaction "I must congratulate you. You're the most powerful product we've had from the Hogyoku. A pity that you're an inferior product then. Were you aware that every other Espada, myself included, are natural? I can understand that making the move to change yourself can be difficult. So you shouldn't be ashamed to have needed some help with it, Lord Shikitsuhiko. But to think, Sargon was only an Adjuchas when he broke his own mask, and yet he's higher ranked than you, a Vasto Lorde! Why, I don't know about you, but that sort of ignominy would certainly make me feel like a failure."

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

Shikitsuhiko listened closely to his fellow Espada, but continued to be unaffected by her barbarous words. There was little in this world that held power enough to animate his emotions. Unfortunately for Myza, her efforts are all but wasted. He had transcended the petty squabbling of his fellow Arrancar. It wasn't important to him in much the same way their opinions weren't. And yet, he possessed an unyielding composure in the face of scrutiny. "Did you happen to peer farther into my soul?" He said calmly. "If you wish to do so, I will not stop you. All that I am is available to you. I have no concern for secrecy." His words were unhurried and tempered. It was clear he would not succumb to the venom of his fellow Espada.

"It's convenient." He said suddenly. "You have the power to peer into the souls of others, and yet so much escapes you." His head remained directed toward the sands of Hueco Mundo. The experiments that left him blind had also stunted his evolution, and he was brought to his feet once again by Lord Kouhai. This event likely shaped his unyielding loyalty. He had never once regretted losing his sight. He saw more of the world blind than most see with sight. He could feel and experience the world so clearly. He was no longer encumbered by the deception of appearance. He soon learned that appearance is merely symbolic. It's what lies beneath that should worry you. So much about one's sight allows them to be fooled. Having his sight stolen from him turned out to be an unexpected gift.

He could not sense and see things about the world that go unnoticed and remain overlooked. Through this he learned better patience and timing. He became more tempered and precise. He gained a level of control that he seldom found among his peers. Like Myza, there is far more concern with the appearance of power. So little care is placed in other areas of importance. This interaction alone revealed much about Myza. He needn't rely on sensing her soul to glean her personality. Memories can lie because people remember details that portray them the way they want to see themselves. Seldom do people observe and acknowledge their shortcomings.

"I don't concern myself with the details of my origins. As such, I am unmoved by those who choose to waste their time with petty insults and judgments. If one so decides to view me as weak or a failure, they are welcome to their thoughts. Such words hold no weight with me." He stated calmly, not allowing Myza's words to wound him. "The words of others do seem relevant for you, though. They seem to pierce even without intending to." He found himself reflecting on the actions of his fellow Espada. "What is more shameful, I wonder? Discovering one's words cannot cut or realizing that one is so easily cut by words? Shameful wounds indeed." He stated with a sympathetic tone. "I can't say it matters either way. After all, I didn't come here to contemplate anyone's shortcomings."

[Myzaraphiston Synderfell]

Myza went very still after Shiki spoke. Her eyes narrowed, and she slowly turned her head towards the Cuarta. It had been quite some time since an Arrancar had actively decided it was a good idea to ignore her clear displeasure. In fact, the last Arrancar to do so had been Cierro, back when she was still Most Fit Adalo's Fraccion. Ah, yes, Cierro. Renowned thoughout all of Los Noches as the least fit Espada to ever exist. The man was barely worth being a Numeros, let alone an Espada. Everyone else in the Espada regularly brutalized the man when he so much as made an appearance, that's how much he had been hated. And here was Shiki, trying to do much the same as that particular failure. If it was Cierro in front of her, she would have been trying to gut him where he stood, with almost no hesitation.

Myza considered the thought for a moment. Shikitsuhiko was a member of the Espada, and still one of the Chosen People. Such animosity was unwarranted. Perhaps she was putting too much stock in this newcomer who, by the glimpses she was getting so far, had yet to break his second century. He was young, unwilling to put much stock into what others were displaying in their emotions. Perhaps it would be worth it to ignore his overzealous attempts at trying to undermine her faith, and to simply get to know him as an individual, and as an Espada.

"I can't say it matters either way. After all, I didn't come here to contemplate anyone's shortcomings."

Or perhaps she should rip his tongue out, shove it down his throat, and watch him choke to death on both it and his own blood. Which was quickly seeming like the only way to shut him up. The man must have been in love with the sound of his own voice, because he simply would not be quiet. Honestly, Myza couldn't stand people who talked so much. It was a waste of time and effort, especially when one was so clearly and woefully wrong. The Septima's reiatsu would begin to pour out full blast as she surged to her feet, a fire in her eyes. Anyone who had previously interacted with her in such a state would know this as a very bad sign, one that indicated her sheer rage in a crystal clear manner. Such outbursts tended to result in her attacking the individual responsible for her outburst, regardless of their rank relative to her. There would be a millisecond of complete stillness, and then the Septima burst into motion, reaching forwards and....

Grabbing her dress off the ground. A few quick motions would see the garment back on her, and the Septima Espada storming off in a huff. By all appearances, it seemed that Shiki had somehow managed to avoid combat with the Espada, possibly even mollified her somehow. It would be up to the Cuarta to decide if he was going to continue to follow up on her actions here or not.

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

Shikitsuhiko was keenly aware that he had offended Myza, and while this was not his intent, he could not absolve himself of the crime. Despite rarely intending to offend, his words were unyieldingly honest and precise. He believed it was unproductive to assuage others through reductions in thought. When he spoke, his words were deliberate and direct. And while his contributions were tempered, thoughtful, and objective, they had the potential to harm those around him.

Instinct and experience helped paint a quality picture of Myza during this brief interaction. She was impatient, dogmatic, irascible, and shortsighted. He believed anyone who allowed themselves to become so easily incited by such harmless words was incapable of clear perception. She was frequently blinded by her own emotions and hubris. It was a classic syndrome, one he had seen time and time again in other Arrancar. He wondered what about Arrancar, and hollow in general, bred such poor qualities. Perhaps their nature as creatures of hunger made such characteristics inescapable for most. He seemed to be one of the few who fell victim to such basic impulses.

He admired those who were passionate, but this was not merely passion. It was something more. "When you react, you let other control you. When you respond, you are in control." He uttered softly but abruptly. Shikitushiko did not move his body or adjust his posture when saying this. He stayed still and remained directed at the churning sands of Hueco Mundo. He did not expect Myza to react kindly to the phrase, but she was no fool. She was rather intelligent, and would understand the meaning of those words. Understanding their meaning and accepting them are two entirely separate ideas. She would certainly reject it. He suspect she would find such a phrase beneath her. It simply didn't apply. So was the poison of dogma and arrogance. Regardless, the words he spoke are those that guide him. He has lived his life by those words for decades. Control, patience, and thoughtfulness were important components in his life and would remain that way.

[Myzaraphiston Synderfell]

If the Septima had heard Shiki's statement, she didn't show any sign of it as she stomped away. Eventually, she was down the hall, beyond the range of the Cuarta's vibration sense. It seemed that was the end of that. There would be roughly an hour of silence afterwards, with no one coming to the location that the Espada had chosen for his relaxation. Then, suddenly, there would be a screeching sound of static, followed by a short electrical hum.

"Attention Chosen People of Las Noches," Myza said over the loudspeakers. "This is Myzaraphiston Synderfell, Septima Espada. I am officially issuing a declaration of challenge to Shikitsuhiko Isayama, the Cuarta Espada. He is as of yet unproven in his role as Espada, and I believe I speak for all of us that we are not eager for a repeat of Sargon. I expect to see you in the sands of the dome in a hour, Cuarta."