Weird Science! (JT Aurora/Shiki/Asuka)

[Aurora Guerrero]

OOC: Training for CTP and for power change

IC:
Aurora was walking through the sands as normal, looking for her next meal. She had never wondered why she was always hungry, especially after becoming the Fraccion that she is today. But, meeting Shiki and other Espada, it had slightly dawned on her that her continued eating was an abnormality. It was true that she enjoyed the thrill of the hunt and taking down her prey. But now? Now she wondered, but only sometimes wondered, why she was still eating this much at all. Pondering this stopped, however, when she saw another hollow roaming the desert.

She went down on all fours and started to slowly follow behind it. Her instincts were kicking in, letting her get close to the hollow, but there was something a bit odd about it. She sniffed the air and it smelled a little off from what she normally smelled of a hollow. The gait seemed slightly different and even the looks were weird. She had dealt with hollows that ranged in looks drastically, but they all had a similar baseline. This one was off that by a slight margin.

But, she was only thinking about the hunt and the food she would be getting off of it, so she ignored this 'offness' that she felt with it and, once she was close enough, pounced on it. She grabbed it by the back and dragged it down to the ground, choking the life out of it. It was gasping and trying to free itself, but as per usual, it didn't stand a chance. With a few tugs, she had killed it and she was ready to feast on it once again. She checked it to make sure it was dead before figuring out the best place to start.

Glancing at it, she focused on the fattier pieces of it and completely ignoring how it actually looked. The actual mask seemed crookedly placed on the hollow. The appendages were also ill formed, one being shorter than the other, along with the some weird scars that covered its torso and neck. All of this was ignored for the juicy abdomen meat that she was eyeing hungrily. She cut it open and immediately started to feast like she normally did, eating all the meat that she could from it.

Once she had devoured the torso meat, she started to go after one of its legs. There were scars there too, but she didn't care about that. The meat was the only thing that was really important. She starts gnawing on the leg, walking off and leaving the body to do whatever hollow bodies do, when she starts to think on her eating again. Why did she feel compelled to eat so much when other Arrancar either barely ate or didn't even eat at all? It was an interesting dilemma to be sure for her.

She continued, gnawing on the leg while walking through the desert. She thought she felt something in her stomach, but ignores it when she spots another hollow wandering in the sands. It was her lucky day today by finding another hollow fairly quickly after having her first meal of the day. She threw the rest of the leg away and started to slow crawl towards this hollow, getting in position for her to pounce on it. Right then, however, something happened that made her pause. Her stomach started to grumble loudly.

Stopping her hunt, she laid down as her stomach made another loud noise at her. What the hell was going on?! This had never happened to her after eating a hollow before. Was there something wrong with that one? Was there something on it that she didn't pay attention to because she was hungry and it didn't matter what it looked like? She slightly sat up and tried looking around for the leg she threw, but it was already lost to the sands. Damnit! She wasn't going to go down like this, she was a warrior.

It was right at that moment that the warrior got on her hands and knees and started to puke, scaring the weaker hollow away. She felt like she was puking her entire stomach out, but it was just the leftovers of her first meal. She wasn't paying attention to how much was coming out, but it looked like most of the meal had been digested and only bits of it were coming back up. Now, if she had known better, she would think it rather odd that after at the most fifteen minutes, that a meal that big would already be mostly digested.

But, she was focused on the puking and the horrible pain her body was in at that moment. Once her stomach had settled somewhat, she was at a loss for words. She had never been sick since she got here and now she was in some kind of horrible pain. What the hell was she supposed to do? She grabbed at her stomach and looked around, trying to gauge where she was. She could see the castle from here, so she wasn't too far out from where she could find help but who would she ask?

Sargon? She immediately nixed that idea, since he would more than likely beat her for getting sick and showing weakness. She had met other Fraccion in that place but she hadn't seen them around anymore, so that immediately nixed them. There was only one other person that came to her mind when she thought about it. Shiki. He was the only Arrancar that she had met that had actually shown her some form of kindness besides Zegram (but she won't mention him after what he had done).

So, thinking that Shiki would be able to help her, she slowly started to walk that way. When she was preparing to Sonido there, she took the step and then faltered halfway. She had only moved maybe two feet from her last spot to only double over and puke again. Taking a deep breath, she started to slowly walk there, hoping that the trek wouldn't take as long as she was thinking it was. As it turns out, the trek was shortened somewhat, but it wasn't worth it in the long run.

She kept trying her step technique, only to move no farther than four feet away and then puke afterwards. Using the technique had helped somewhat, but her body was hating her for using it. When she got the main doors, she felt even worse than before and she was sure if someone passed by her, she would look like death warmed over. She started to try to walk the staircase that took you to the Espada rooms, but she kept tripping up the stairs. What the f?! She had never been this clumsy before!

After about fifteen minutes of trying to climb the stairs, and tripping on about every other one, she had made it to the quarters of the Cuarta Espada. She was basically crawling up to the door and looked up at it. Thinking to herself, she knew that she wasn't going to shame herself by knocking on the door and him seeing her on all fours like this. So, grabbing the door handle, she pulls herself upright and begins knocking as loud as she can on the door.

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

[OOC: Training for CTP]

"I can feel the grooves on each side of the die and I know you did not roll a 12. You rolled an 8." Shikitsuhiko said to Asuka as he moved her dog piece back more than a few spaces. "You should be in jail. You do not pass go or collect 200." He said sternly as he collected the die in his hand. He paused and directed his attention toward the door. "Do not try and take money from the bank." He said as his attention became divided between the game and the presence approach his door. 

As he listened closely, he noticed the labored breathing and staggered footsteps draw even closer. He lifted himself from the ground and approached the door. The moment she touched the door it opened, her weary expression and strained posture staring at him. He could feel her body shivering and her insides churning, with only a faint odor accompanying her general condition. He leaned in and inhaled deeply. Like a bloodhound he picked up a most peculiar and unfamiliar scent. He grabbed the weakened Aurora and carried her into his room.

He lied her on a nearby flat surface. "What could possibly have led to this condition?" He asked softly. He placed his hand on her arm, allowing his heightened senses to examine her body. "Respiration and heart rate are irregular. You recently gorged yourself on some defenseless hollow, I take it." He lifted his head, standing tall as he directed his entire focus on Aurora. "What abominable creature did you ingest?" He could feel Aurora's insides turning as the smell the most putrid odor of decay leaving her opened lips.

"Asuka...do you see anything unusual?" He asked in a moment of calm desperation. He was genuinely confused by Aurora's condition. Eating a hollow, considering her appetite, was neither dangerous nor out of the ordinary. She had done this many times before, but something has made her sick. Could it be that a hollow exists with a defense capable of killing those who ingest it? What purpose would that serve? "The peculiar game you brought will have to wait. It seems we have to attend to something more urgent." He paused for a moment, trying to feel or sense anything emanating form Aurora. 

"Where were you when you began feeling ill? And what symptoms have you been experiencing, other than general fatigue and coordination issues?" He couldn't help but find Aurora's behavior vexing. While he was concerned, he also knew her rabid nature. She was all killing instinct. The sophistication of evolving into an arrancar never quite snuffed out her more primal instincts. It was a shame. She could likely be stronger if she only controlled her primal urges and was more deliberate with her decision-making. 

[Deleted]

“B-But Shiki! The cops haven’t arrested me yet! That means I can’t go to jail until the cops come!” Asuka didn’t understand. Why did she have to go to jail! She didn’t do a bad this time! Last time she was in jail it was because she spilled an entire pitcher on a cop. Although the cop was angry and grumbly like a big bear, he told her it was fine. But! It wasn’t! But it also was? Asuka couldn’t really make up her mind and so, she would put herself in jail.

That day was just all kinds of messed up. Also, she was doing right by the law by putting herself in jail! She sang a whole Elvis song. She made a friend who looked like a super cool celebrity and made jail friends! Asuka swore it was Orange Still Is The New Black! The show with all the people in prison where they wear black prison uniforms instead of orange ones! Gosh that was exciting for a time until she realized she was actually in jail for doing a huge no-no.

Asuka pouted and gave Shiki the biggest puppy eyes known to man. Wide eyed and lip quivering, the Segunda would protest. “Shiiiiikiiiiiiii~!”, she whined like a child and was incredibly confused, “I didn’t do anything bad! Why do I have to go to jail!?” Shiki was her bestest friend. Why would he put her in jail like this!? After a moment, Asuka relented and moved her doggy piece to jail. Just as she reaches over to take money from the bank, "Do not try and take money from the bank.”. Her hand froze as soon as those words left his mouth and an long exasperated sigh escape her lips.

Curse this game! She got it from her neighbor! Well, actually, she took it from them when it was on their table. She happened to be there when they said “Let’s play” while they went inside and Asuka took that for realsies. She just packed up the game and left. All she could think of was “Wow! Shiki would love this! Maybe he likes to play games!”. With that thought in mind she decided to go knock knock knockin’ on Shiki’s door! Here we are now! Knocking on Heaven’s door! Er. Hueco Mundo’s door.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door and Asuka rushed to the ill girl’s side, concern painted on her face. “Ah! Oh no! Are you ok?” Her emerald pair scanning the arrancar up and down, looking for any sign of why she might be down with the sickness. Asuka suddenly pulls the entire monopoly board with great urgency, letting all the pieces and cards fall to the floor. The mighty Segunda in all her infinite wisdom starts fanning her, trying to give her air in hopes that it will help her feel better.

“Sorry Shiki! Duty calls! We can play another time for sure!” She spoke dutifully and was committed to help the Cuarta and this mysterious arrancar. “How are you feeling? Did ya catch something?” She waited anxiously. Asuka caught something called ‘these hands’. Asuka didn’t know what it meant to ‘catch these hands’ until she encountered someone on the street on her way home from the convenience store after a night out and some guy just ran up on her and told her to ‘catch these hands’! Could you believe that!? It was crazy! “Did you eat something bad?”

[Aurora Guerrero]

Aurora had barely knocked on the door before it was opened and she saw Shiki there. She tried to smile, but she felt so horrible, it probably looked more like a grimace. Her body started to feel weak, her knees were getting shaky and she felt herself start to fall over. Before she even barely started to fall, however, Shiki had grabbed her and carried her into his room. She felt his body heat before he laid her down on what felt like a flat surface, cooling off her body while she tries to get comfortable.

She heard the first two questions but couldn't answer, a painful moan escaping her lips instead. This was the most pain that she had felt in her entire life. When Shiki said she gorged on a hollow, she nodded her head, then remembered that he couldn't see. "Yyyessss...." She coughed and had to hold back what seemed to come up when she did so. Swallowing it back down, she grimaced, lightly smacking her lips together to gather up enough spit into her mouth to clear out the nasty taste.

Getting bombarded with questions, she tried to remember them all. When she started to get fanned, however, she turned to the woman and gave her a quiet "Thank yyouu..." She took a deep breath, swallowed back more nasty stuff before she tried to answer the questions as best as she could. "I was.....trackinggggg a hollow like nnnormallll. When I struckkk and ate.....something was wrongggg I think.... Didn't realize till....too late."

Coughing, she turned her head away, trying again not to puke up anything (which at this point she assumed that there was nothing left in her stomach besides stomach acid). Turning back towards them, "I aaatee and noticeddd weird thingsssss. Scarred body...limbs form in geeeeneral...smell seeeemed offf tooo.. After eating, immediately felt baddddd.....threw uppp....fatigued......couldn't ussse Sonidooo.... I tried..but only moved twoooo feeeet.... Had to walk....backkkk.."

She took in a deep breath after that, coughing more and this time, couldn't hold it back, so when she felt it coming she turned away, tried to lean off the surface and unloaded what she had fought back all over the floor/wall. She leaned back to lay down again. "Sorrrry....couldn't hold back any....more.. Can I get some.....water?" She would lay back, trying to remember anything else about him and having no luck. She felt herself start to lose consciousness slightly before she would smack her face to try to keep herself awake.

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

"Asuka, you brought this game." He said, directing his attention away from Aurora. "I shouldn't play games with you unless someone else reads me the rules. You're a cheater and your pants are on fire as they say in the human world" He said. "Did you eat something bad?" Shikitsuhiko knew Aurora was reckless and certainly ate without much consideration. Then again, consuming hollows is only dangerous if they get a bite out of you first. There are usually no consequences from eating a hollow. 

He was left to wonder once more what could have possibly happened, though he knew it had to do with consumption. "I aaatee and noticeddd weird thingsssss. Scarred body...limbs form in geeeeneral...smell seeeemed offf tooo.. After eating, immediately felt baddddd." Shikitsuhiko eyebrows furrowed as he listened to Aurora's sickly voice. He wanted to scold her, but knew such a thing would be useless in that moment. His mind wandered for a moment fore wondering whether she was when this happened. 

"Asuka, could you get her some water?" He asked softly. "I have some in this device they call a 'mini-fridge," which keeps things colder than usual." His plain explanation made it seem like such a thing was normal for an Espada to have in their room. "Aurora, where were you when you consumed the hollow? Perhaps the location will give us an indication of what might of happened or at least where to look." He paused for a moment, his hands feeling the coldness of his skin. "Have you ever seen anything like this?" He asked Asuka. 

Shikitsuhiko in all his wisdom couldn't fathom what was causing Aurora's sudden illness. Such things simply don't exist as defenses in Hueco Mundo. He wondered for a moment about whether rebel factions were intentionally finding ways to poison members of Las Noches. How? By lacing other hollows with some kind of poison? What made them immune?  So many questions and they barely have the entire story. Aurora seemed too weak to detail everything and he did not want to push it. "We have no other choice but to investigate the region." He said with a determined tone.

[Deleted]

This poor girl! Asuka heart went out to her! Gosh, she sure knew what it was like to eat stuff that wasn’t good for you! Asuka did it all the time! She’d eat pizza and cookies and hot dogs and monster energy drinks and all kinds of stuff! All day everyday! It was part of the 54 food groups and Asuka tried real hard to include them all everyday. Sadly, all she could get up to was about 30. That wasn’t to say she was giving up though! Never give up!

Before her food groups just used to be at a solid 2. Those two being water and brownies with fruit snacks in them! You got all the important stuff PLUS the fruit snacks. That had to be real fruit and so, it made her healthy. No more curvy scurvy for Asuka! No sir! Nuh uh! Maybe this girl wasn’t getting the important food groups? “CAN…YOU… HEAR… ME…” Asuka spoke loud and slow just in case the ill arrancar suddenly went deaf while waving to her worriedly. “Did… you… eat… your… fruit… snacks??” This was vital information.

At Shiki’s orders, she’d salute to him, “Sir yessir~! Aha!”, and bounce excitedly to his mini fridge. “I have a big one in my room… Shiki, why don’t you have popsicles in here? They’re super tasty! I bet you’d like the cherry flavored ones!” Asuka exclaimed as she brought out two bottles of chilled water. She uncorked one of the bottles and poured it square on the arrancar girl’s face in hopes of it making her feel better. “Like this?” she looked to the Cuarta with questioning eyes, wide and blinking. Did Asuka do a good? She did not know. Hopefully the girl caught some with her mouth. Psh. Boy! That sure would be a waste if she didn’t!

From the sounds of it, this arrancar named Aurora ate a hollow she shouldn’t have. “I-I’m Asuka by the way! Nice ta meetcha Aurora~! Aha~!” Oh boy oh boy oh boy! A new friend! A whole new friend! Granted she sure looked sick. She looked wet. She also looked like she’s seen better days and that sucked. But! By the power invested by her! The Segunda! She would find a way to help her fix whatever’s going on in her tummy! Doctor Asuka was on the case! Rain or shine, she’ll stick a lollipop in you and make you feel better!

“I’ve never seen or heard of anything like that before in all my time here. I don’t even think Kouhai does stuff like that..” She looked out into the distance in an attempt to look cool while she was thinking. Asuka hoped it would help because she didn’t have a single idea as to what he or Aurora was talking about. Looking on as determined as ever, she looked to Shiki and nodded. “We totally have to! This hollow sounds super weird!” With that, Asuka immediately bolted for the door and ran off to investigate. The Segunda only made it ten seconds down the hall until she came back and peeked her head through Shiki’s door, smiling sheepishly.

“W-Where are we going again? Aha.”

[Aurora Guerrero]

Aurora was feeling slightly better after puking all over the floor/wall of his room. She felt bad but thankfully, she could breathe easier and felt a bit stronger now. Before she could answer, Asuka started to pretty much yell at her and speaking slowly. Did she think she was dense? Then she mentioned something about fruit snacks. What the hell was fruit snacks? Before she could ask about the fruit snacks, it seemed like she ran off to go get the water that Shiki was asking for. While she ran off, Shiki talked about something called a 'mini-fridge.'

A mini-fridge? What the heck is a mini-fridge? It keeps things cold, which was weird. Why would you want to keep things cold? Then, Asuka started talking about popsicles, which she had no idea what the hell those were either. This woman was a weird one. She was grateful to finally get water, but she immediately regretted it as the woman opened the bottle and then proceeded to dump the entire thing on her. She caught about half in her mouth, but she was trying to grab the hand that was pouring the water on her.

The cold water made her sit up, if not slowly, while trying to grab that stupid water bottle from her. The woman introduced herself as Asuka and she just stared at her, growling under her breath. Was this woman stupid? If she grabbed the empty bottle out of her hand, she threw it deeper into the room before wiping her face free of the excess water. "First, what are fruit snacks? Second, a 'mini-fridge' sounds like a stupid idea. Third, what the heck is a popsicle? Fourth, are you always like this or is my sickness making me hallucinate this stuff?"

She would look between the two of them before facing Shiki again. "I think I can lead you all there, but I don't think I can Sonido there. We might have to walk." Right after she finished her statement, Asuka started running out the door, assuming to try to find this hollow. When she popped her head in to ask where they were going, she started to roll her eyes. She slowly got up, testing her feet to make sure she could stand up straight. Then, she moved her legs to see if she could actually walk.

Taking a few tentative steps, she decided she would be okay to walk them to the location. "Alright, follow me!" She would then try to Sonido again, but instead of going a few inches, she managed to make it a foot before she abruptly stopped and caught herself before she fell face first onto the floor. She got up and brushed herself off again. "Well, I guess we'll have to walk since I still can't Sonido." She puts her hand on the wall as she's walking, when she needs it, while she guides them into the sand.

After what seemed like an eternity, which was more like one to three hours, they arrived in what she thought was the exact site of the hollow eating. Once she got there, she bent over and started to breath heavy and start to dry heave. She thought she was better but she was only good enough to walk short distances and not barf (only because she had already emptied her stomach contents.) She started to slowly walk around, after she caught her breath, to try to find anything that would show that the hollow was here. "I think it was around here somewhere...."

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

Water splashed all around them, creating puddles on the floor. Shikitsuhiko could feel the cold liquid on his hand as he directed his attention toward Asuka. Even without sight he seemed to glance over at her with curiosity and shock. "I didn't ask you to waterboard her, Asuka." He said deadpanly. He wiped the water from his hand, flicking it off the side. He reached down to lift Aurora into a sitting position, but she had already raised herself after having been drenched. 

Asuka added some levity to the situation despite the seriousness of the Aurora's condition. He reached for a towel, grabbing Asuka's coat instead. He began to rub Aurora's face, absorbing the water that was poured on her. "I requested the push-up pops you like. Are those not popsicles? They had those characters from the human world. Though if they were placed in the bottom compartment they are certainly melted. It is not cold enough." Shikitsuhiko cleared his throat, as if to reset the mood. 

"Clearly we're dealing with something foreign. Neither Asuka nor myself are familiar with your condition." I think I can lead you all there... Shikitsuhiko nodded. "In your current state it would be wise not to overextend yourself. Asuka and I can handle anything should it happen. We need you to remember the events as perfectly as possible." Alright, follow me! Asuka suddenly ran from the room. Shikitsuhiko reached out to stop her, but she had quickly exited. He sighed with a large exhale as he rubbed his temple. 

He put his hand in front of Aurora, gesturing for her to wait before she spoke. "Wait for it." W-Where are we going again? Aha. Shikitsuhiko gestured toward the door, having predicted Asuka's behavior. "We need Aurora to lead us there." They traveled for a while before stopping for Aurora to heave off to the side. I think it was around here somewhere. Shikitsuhiko remained still as he felt the surroundings. "Where exactly is here?" He asked with a tinge of confusion in his tone.

"This is an open desert. Is this simply where you discovered the hollow you ate?" Shikitsuhiko fell silent for a moment. He inhaled deeply and frowned. "That odor is...disconcerting." He said as approached Asuka. He tapped her on the shoulder and gestured to the right. "I smell something foul." He leaned down and pointed to some blood on the ground. "There is nothing normal about this blood. Asuka, is it silver in color?" He asked as he could not see it himself. He reached down and touched it with his finger, feeling the texture between his fingers. 

[Deleted]

Friends were amazing to have. Push-up pops were the best darn thing. Shiki was like… both of those things combine! Gosh! He was just so supercalifragilisticexpealidocious-ly awesome! Phew! Just like pushpops, that sure was a mouthful! Asuka couldn’t help it! When it came to matters of friends and sweet treats, she couldn’t help but feel over the moon. Still, she was sad. He said he’d gotten some but there was none now and at that, she pouted at him.

“All melted.. We coulda gave some to her if there were any. They always make me feel better!” She nodded coming back into the room. Ah that’s right! They needed Aurora to lead the way. Asuka bounced as she cheered on her favorite Cuarta for making the best suggestion ever. “Gosh Shiki! You’re the smartest! You’re right! Aurora! Lead the way!” She spoke excitedly, opening the door and clearing the way for the other too, eager to see what’s upset Aurora’s stomach. Maybe it was hollow veggies? Aurora never did tell them, did she? Surely, they’ll figure it out!

It took some time and some walking. Aurora couldn’t really sonido and Asuka would quicken her pace, walking along side the red head. She would be cautious, occasionally holding her hands out and reaching out to her arms in the event that Aurora would keel over from her sickness. Asuka would attempt to hold her up and keep her walking if she wanted! She was here to be the big Segunda hero and help those in need! Even though being an Espada meant doing the opposite.

She brought them out into the desert and in the distance she could see a teensy tiny corner of her old lemonade stand sign sticking out of the sand. Asuka pointed to get Shiki’s attention and opened her mouth to say something but when she did, a certain smell assailed her senses. The Segunda would visibly cringe and turn her head away in disgust. “Ah! Gross! What is that!? Aha! Broccoli!?” Vegetable hate is numero uno here in these parts, partner~! “Yeah that totally doesn’t smell good. How’d you stomach this one, Aurora?” Also, why was she eating hollow!? Why eat hollow when you could have cupcakes and cherry push pops?

Her attention turned to the silver ichor on the ground and Asuka’s face scrunched in confusion. “Hmm.” She took Shiki’s hand gently, examining the silvery blood looking at it closely and slightly turning it to see if there was anything if it shifted along what light they had. She hummed, engrossed in the liquid and mulled over her past experiences. “It’s silver alright. I don’t recognize any creature or anyone having anything like this. Not even the Werecows or the Sharkpires. They all bleed red, aha.” She let go, looking at him before looking back at Aurora. “Why’d you eat him?”

[Aurora Guerrero]

Aurora led them all to the patch of sand that she thought was the same area that she found the hollow. It was still weird that Asuka ran out of the room like that, but it seemed like Shiki had dealt with her before. But, while they walked there, it was nice to have Asuka there for her to lean on just in case she felt like heaving again, which thankfully didn't happen on the walk there. It happened after they got there. After that, she let them know that as best as she remembered, this was the place that she ate the hollow.

"Yes, I found the hollow in this area." They then started to complain about something smelling foul. She tried to smell for anything, but it seemed as though her sinuses were clogged, because she couldn't smell anything. Taking as deep a breath as she could, there was nothing that she could smell. "I can't smell anything foul and.....the hollow didn't smell when I attacked it. Also.....what is broccoli?" It was slightly disconcerting to her that either she couldn't smell the hollow beforehand, or while she was eating the hollow it was starting to effect her.

Shiki then pointed out some blood that Asuka looked at for him. She slowly started to make her way towards what he had pointed out and it was definitely weirdly colored. It was silver. She looked around to try to find the body of the hollow she ate, figuring that it would be close by. She heard Asuka's question and answered while trying to look, "It was a hollow and I was hungry......It's what I do. Well.....used to do now..." After this episode, she definitely wasn't going to just randomly pounce on all the hollows she saw anymore. She coughed and something like a mist came out of her mouth.

Um.....what?! It freaked her out a little bit. She followed what little blood there was and found the body of the hollow. "HEY! I FOUND IT! IT'S OVER HERE!" She started coughing after that, coughing so hard that she started to dry heave. Mist slightly came out of her mouth while she did this. It wasn't a lot, but still even a little bit was slightly worrying. She looked it over and now noticed how fucked up it looked. Wow, she shouldn't kept her distance from this thing. It looked like a mangled hollow thing, with the cloak up and all the scars.

She would start to poke at it, looking at where she ripped it open to get to its soft insides. Looking at it better, even the insides looked off. There was its weird silver blood all around it and inside it, but the insides were different as well. It seemed that it might have extra organs? It didn't make sense. She had seen a lot of hollow insides (A LOT), and none of them looked like this. It also seemed like too many organs and they were all green. Green insides and silver blood made a pretty weird combination.

Getting slightly dizzy, she stood up slowly. Bending down for that long definitely wasn't something she needed to do right now. Shiki did tell her that him and Asuka should handle everything since she was sick. She did feel slightly better, but with that dizzy spell, she knew she wasn't one hundred percent yet. She HATED waiting on the sidelines, but this was her own fault. Once they got there, she took a few steps away from the body and sat down on the sand. It was her own fault that she was like this and while they looked at it, she thought over how she was and what she needed to improve on so she wouldn't make herself sick again.

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

Shikitsuhiko remained silent as Asuka and Aurora spoke, the smell of the blood awakening memories long forgotten. Echoes of those long ago days ignited a quiet rage he kept hidden from those around him. Unraveling like a film reel, his memories continued to flood his awareness. Each strand evoked emotions he had since buried in the farthest depths of his mind. The eagerly broke from captivity, freely dancing throughout his mind. His mind's eye was catapulted back to his own days in captivity, sending copious sensations throughout his body. 

An electricity seemed to accumulate in his extremities, awakening his seemingly numb body. Behind his protective visor, the scars around his eyes reignited with sensations that had remained dormant. He could feel the burning and tingling, his fingers squeezing beneath his mask to make contact with his skin. His finger lightly grazed the surface before applying additional pressure. He could feel the distinctly coarse texture of the skin resulting from the mysterious substance that ultimately blinded him.

He inhaled deeply, approaching the corpse Aurora so recklessly sank her teeth into. Such barbarism. He thought to himself. He strictly aligned with the ideology that evolution shouldn't solely be pursued for the sake of physical might. It was opportunity for all creature to access superior forms reasoning and knowledge. Evolution favored refinement and sophistication, allowing hollows to shed their base instincts and adopt a view that is less myopic and more expansive.

It was shameful so many squandered this opportunity. Yet another reason he dreamed of a day when when hollows could feed infinitely without needing to tear into their kin. He understood the drive for consumption, but not tolerance for mediocrity and savagery. "It would be wise to be more prudent should you endeavor to continue this behavior." He said coldly as he faced forward, his attention directed in the distance. Why’d you eat him? Shikitsuhiko turned to Aurora, who was infirm from feeding on this foul smelling hollow. "I have wondered this myself. You aspire to be more than a hollow, but behave as though you have opened your eyes for the first time."

To Shikitsuhiko the hollow's corruption was blatant, though he had to wonder if Aurora was blinded by hunger or simply was not capable of detecting what might have been a subtlety. Once wounded it would have become visually apparent this hollow was unlike others she had dined on, but such a discovery would have been in vein. He contemplated their next move, wondering how he could best track this hollow's former whereabouts. A chill came over his body, confirming what he already knew.

It would be unwise to keep these details from the others, but was equally invested in his secrets. He harbored more shame for his blindness, but remained a private person. He never felt compelled to share the history of his life with others as it never seemed important. He was more concerned with the present. Unfortunately, situations such as these warrant some transparency despite his penchant for remaining a mystery. A part of him was aware that other arrancar might use such knowledge to undermine him, but such thoughts were quickly dismissed. He wasn't one for concerning himself with others unless it directly affected the legitimacy of Las Noches. Rumors were of little significance. 

He turned his head, allowing Aurora and Asuka to view his profile. His mouth opened slightly, but no words passed his lips. His body almost reflexively quieted him, arresting his voice before it could generate insights into his past. He exhaled before raising his arm and extending it. "While uncommon, this silver blood is all too familiar to me." He stated. He unsheathed his blade and made a small incision into his palm, allowing his silvery blood to pool at the wound. His blood has more of a sheen to it, but was similar enough for the others to notice. 

"Upon discovering the color of this hollows blood, I am no longer shocked by your affliction, Aurora. Its blood and my own are a product of some type of mutation or adaptation. I thought by killing the Shinigami who subjected my body to a variety of experiments would spare others such agony. Clearly I underestimated the fervor of those responsible. It appears it was contagious enough to inspire others to follow in their footsteps." Shikitsuhiko's wound quickly healed before he clenched his fist a couple times. 


"Those who managed to capture me nearly a century ago were hoping to find both a counter to high speed regeneration and undoubtedly a manner for replicating and breeding that power within Shinigami. They nearly accomplished their goal," he said as he removed his visor, "resulting in the permanent destruction of my sight. While the organs and tissue regenerated, my sight was permanently disrupted. That and these scars are reminders of their intentions." He said before placing the partial mask over his eyes once more. 

"I destroyed them, their lab, and their subjects. The presence of another with a blood similar to my own means someone has reignited their research initiative. Unfortunately, I don't know the effects this will have on you, Aurora, but I know we cannot let them continue to infect hollows. Their success aside, the attempts alone could result in catastrophe for Hueco Mundo. Whatever has afflicted your body could be lethal and contagious. They could wipe us out unknowingly." He said grimly.

[Deleted]

“B-But you’re an Arrancar. W-Why..?” It was kinda gross eating other hollow now that she thought about it. Like she knows she did it but that was like… back when it was totally okay to do it! That and everything just kinda tastes good when you’re hungry! Asuka had remembered what it was like vaguely. It was a lot of voracious eating and it was all fuzzy and weird and sad feeling. Asuka shook her head repeatedly in disgust. Yeah she kinda regret doin’ all of that.

They were at the top of the food chain after all. Isn’t that what Kuroi was talking about all the time. He kinda governed the other Espada in their own way. Asuka figured in her own way, that responsibility fell on her. It just felt so.. foreign. At the same time, what Aurora was doing just felt plain wrong. “Ya.. You really shouldn’t be doing that. We’re at the top of the food chain.” she spoke sternly. Her face twisted and cringed at the idea of cannibalizing her comrades and companions. Asuka was absolutely positive Shiki didn’t taste like Nerds Rope and Hershey’s chocolate. If he did then this would totally be a different story.

She nodded at Shiki’s sentiment. Her eyes fell on the remains of the hollow whose silver ichor spilled everywhere. That definitely looked like it didn’t taste good. The Human World had all kinds of amazing foods and treats to snack on! Just the other day, Hibiki made the best grilled cheese sandwich! He did it all special like! With the bread and the cheese that tasted extra cheesy with the tomato soup! Asuka wasn’t sure about tomatoes once upon a time but once she learned it was a fruit, it was smooth sailing from there!

It was weird though! Tomatoes didn’t feel like fruits! Like, they totally weren’t sweet or anything! They just smelled and acted like a stinkin’ veggie! Yuck! Then again, tomatoes weren’t always bad. Ketchup was pretty delicious with crunchy, hot french fries with lotsa salt on ‘em! Mustard was good too but mustard wasn’t a vegetable. There was few that Asuka would accept. Barbecue sauce is a vegetable that she would gladly accept for one!

Asuka looked to Shiki to see if he was familiar with the silvery, shiny blood. As it turns out, he knew it! Why would he know about that though? The Segunda blinked confusedly and she turned to him with concern. “What’s up with this silvery stuff, Shiki?” When he brought out his blade to cut himself, she gasped with worry, hoping he wouldn’t hurt himself too bad. She moved closer to the Cuarta but stopped in her tracks as she saw the same silvery substance leaking from his open wound and her eyes widened in shock.

“S-Sparkle Wizards did this to you?” Misty eyed Asuka rushed to Shiki’s side, placing a hand on his shoulder. The one of her voice sounded as though she was genuinely heartbroken. Shiki was experimented on like a lab rat and they gave him that silvery stuff that made Aurora sick! That was unforgivable! “Shiki..” she said, sadly, rubbing his back like a best friend would supporting them in their time of need. “I’m so sorry.” The pain in his words as he spoke and recounted those events…

The Segunda would remain silent as he spoke. The silvery shiny blood, although very pretty was very bad and highly contagious. She looked up at him as he removed his visor and blinked multiple times as she saw his eyes. That’s right… He was unable to see. It was a gut wrenching story to the teal haired Espada and her lip quivered. Oh! How her her heart went out to him. She shook hear head, wanting to apologize over and over again for Shiki but she knew it wouldn’t amount to anything or bring his sight back.

“You didn’t deserve that.” Her voice cracked slightly as she felt the beginnings of a tear forming in her eyes and she turned to blink them away before looking back at him and then Aurora. “What’s gonna happen to her?” She looked back to Shiki and then to Aurora and spoked in a panicked tone. This wasn’t good. This wasn’t good at all! “Is her eye sight gonna disappear too?! If she throws it up… can she… not suffer the effects of it!? We have to do something to save her, Shiki! Anything!!” She moved over to Aurora, inspecting her. "Would it get better if she ate barbecue sauce?"

[Aurora Guerrero]

Aurora was sitting on the ground, watching what was going on around her and being chastised for what she was doing. This experience definitely was an eye-opening experience to her. She knew now that attacking every hollow that she saw on sight was a pretty bad idea and made a mental note to not do it again. While she thought this, however, she felt the hunger inside her lessen. Was it because of this hollow that her hunger was leaving her? She felt the hunger almost leave her completely, now only being a slight pull on her instead of a driving force that drove most, if not all, of her actions up until now.

Shiki talked straight to her then and before she could answer, she held her hand up, coughing loudly. Once she stopped, a little more mist came out of her mouth. She had no idea where this weird mist was coming from. Should she tell them about it? Looking over to see the two of them, they seemed too busy for her to bother them with this weird thing that was happening to her now. Besides, it was more than likely from that weird hollow that this was happening to her. But, was it some kind of contagion? She hadn't even thought about it like that! She turned to face Shiki and Asuka ready to tell them, but she stopped when she saw that Shiki seemed to want to talk.

The silver blood was familiar to him? She was immediately curious as to why it was familiar until he cut himself. Looking at his hand, she watched at as silver blood started to ooze out of the wound. While the wound healed, he explained what happened to him to give him this silver blood. Aurora then started to get angry. Shinigami experimented on him. When he removed his visor and she got to see how he actually lost his sight, her anger elevated even more. Shiki was a calm, even headed man, one of the only ones she had ever met! He didn't deserve what those assholes did to him! She had never truly hated shinigami before, but she did now.

He destroyed everything and still people continued what those assholes did. He had no idea what this abomination would do to her but she already had an idea of what it was doing to her. Asuka got worried about her and immediately ran over to her and tried to tell her to eat whatever barbecue sauce was and worried that she would lose her sight. She patted her on the shoulder, trying to make her feel better. "Um... I think that it's already starting to affect me." At that moment, she started to cough, not putting her hand up in front of her mouth and they would notice the mist that would be expelled from her mouth. She looked off in the distance and would point. "I think he came from that direction. We should probably head that way."

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

Shikitsuhiko held out his hand, as if he was gazing somberly into it. A near sentimental tribute to his lost sight. You didn’t deserve that. "Yes, but it happened. It not only deprived me of my sight, but presented me becoming an Arrancar." He said with a tinge of loathing in his voice. What's gonna happen to her? Shikitsuhiko remained silent, peering into the distance with his senses. "I do not know. Though applying some sauce to anything won't be of much use. Are you comfortable slaughtering those responsible, Asuka?" He asked with a stern tone.

I think he came from that direction. We should probably head that way. Shikitsuhiko fell silent once more. A small part of him was concerned. He couldn't help his wandering thoughts. What if other hollow had been affected by these experiments and someone of less strength than Aurora had consumed them? He began walking through vast desert of Hueco Mundo, contemplating how they could possible find the source of this. It was the proverbial needle in a haystack scenario. "We must find them and end them. All of them. Those conducting the research and all subjects."

Shikitsuhiko began walking toward, Aurora guiding them despite her weakened state. If his memory was accurate, the original lab was underground. It was hidden from the eyes of most. They were surrounded by steel and concrete. Such a construction seemed impossible for a place like this. How did a couple of Shinigami manage to build it without the threat of attack. Hollows would sense them and instantly assail them. It then came to him. An aspect of his memory that had been relegated away. That device they used back then created a space that mimicked the reishi around it while also protecting those inside. They had a similar device that suppressed spiritual energy.

He remembered the sensation well. It felt like his strength was completely eliminated while also being forced to the ground by intense gravity. As they journeyed through the barren, moonlit desert, Shikitsuhiko was slowly becoming impatient. He couldn't determine how to find them and the hollow could have come from anywhere. He halted his progress and simply listened to the silence. Following the loss of his sight, he could remember the humming. The faint, but noticeable humming. Almost a vibration that seemed to sing in every direction.

He wondered if the humming would give it away. The smell of that hollow seemed to linger. The odor was different than anything he had smelled before it. His blood did not give off that same smell, which meant they were doing something very different this time around. He followed the trail left behind by the hollow. And then a waft of stale air hit him. The other two could likely easily smell such an offensive odor. Shikitsuhiko covered his face, recoiling from the overwhelming odor. "We're close. That is what the hollow smelled like, but it is many times worse here." Just over a large mount of sand was a cluster of hollows, all living. Were all these hollows infected? If so, they were collectively releasing that foul smell. "There has to be at least 20 hollows over there. They're congregating." Were they expecting something?

[Deleted]

[[ooc: @aurora, write a fight sequence against 20 hollow]]

Asuka often did not feel anger or many other negative feelings aside from loneliness. She rarely even got serious outside of battle. During a fight was when the Segunda truly focused. It was what she was trained to do after all. How else would she be here if not for that? She was not always cotton candy and sugar coated candies. There was a side of Asuka that fought fiercely and stood her ground. Especially when it came to things she felt strongly about. If it weren’t for that, she would have lost herself long ago, becoming like everyone else.

It wasn’t that she didn’t want to be like everyone else or stand out. Asuka knew what she was; she was not going to betray that. She felt for Shiki and his run in with those Sparkle Wizards. They wronged him immensely and obviously as arrancar, they could all relate to some degree. She was friendly with Shiki and Shiki sure was her best friend but he’d asked her a question she didn’t like too much. Asuka felt uncomfortable at first and when more syllables and words left the Cuarta’s mouth, she remained silent.

"I do not know. Though applying some sauce to anything won't be of much use. Are you comfortable slaughtering those responsible, Asuka?"

Slaughter? You.. You mean like Adalo wanted her to? Like Kuroi wanted her to? Like they all wanted her to? Though Shiki wouldn’t be able to see the look on her face, Aurora would see it plain as day. It was like someone asked her the most ridiculous thing in the world. Not the good kind either. Killing was not the Segunda’s style. There was merit in letting others live. Letting them get a chance to see the err of their ways and also to have them fear you. If Kuroi wasn’t killing, he was doing that.. And that was much more powerful.

It wasn’t that Asuka hasn’t killed. She has out of necessity many times before. This was looking like it would be one of those times. It was necessary to end these creatures life despite it leaving a bitter taste in the Segunda’s mouth. She looked of into the distance where the sound of hollow congregating could be heard and sighed, exasperated at just the thought. “We’ll have to if this is what’s goin’ on, aha~ Wouldn’t want anyone eating those hollow.” She shot a pointed look to Aurora as she spoke before following after Shiki, trudging through the sand.

“That smell’s pretty bad Shiki. Smells like old broccoli yuck!” Asuka’s face cringed at the thought of the vegetable and the smell it made when you left it alone for a while. Maybe slaughtering them won’t be so bad. Only because of the smell though. The smell was bad enough to justify the slaughtering and she was sure it wasn’t Adalo like in nature. “Did you have to deal with this too?” She asked him though she wasn’t just talking about the smell and her worried expression would indicate so. Her question encapsulated everything. How Shiki chose to take it was up to him.

It was awful that he had to deal with such hardship. Though, that was the darker side of being hollow in nature. Pain and sin brought them here and no matter how hard they all tried, it was what brought them here. In many ways, they were lucky. She moved closer to Shiki and gave his hand a brief, gentle squeeze, speaking softly. “I know it’s digging up all kinds of old stuff for you. I know it’s hard even though you might put on a brave face. We can get to the bottom of this and get rid of all of it. You’re one of the toughest guys I know, Shiki. You’re really awesome.” She finished with a quiet smile and let go, walking beside her comrade, feeling more prepared back the Cuarta up.

It wasn’t baseless compliments nor was it empty encouragement. Asuka wasn’t stupid. Shiki was still an Espada. None of them really liked to show weakness or much feeling for that matter. The Segunda was fine with that. They all had their hearts broken and went through their own hardships just like she did. She knew Shiki wasn’t exactly the sentimental type but her big, overgrown heart couldn’t help but reach out to her friend. Whether he thought that way of her or not wasn’t her business. She just wanted him to know that she would be by his side, bestest of friends til’ the end.

“They have to be absolutely hungry.” She commented as she watched them from the distance. Though it was a given; all hollow had neverending hunger. Only those who were fortunate enough to make it through the evolutionary stages were the victorious. Their entire life was a chain of command. No wonder Kuroi was so obsessed with it. He probably looked at things this way too; trying to make sense of it and order other hollow. He was never comfortable being Segunda. Never.

It wouldn’t be hard to figure out that there was a source of food there. But, what? “They’re obviously feasting on something. Aha” It couldn’t have been the others right? Perhaps it was food made for them specifically? There were too many questions floating around and it was still to early to tell. Questions sure were annoying but what was more annoying was the unsettling feeling she had. Asuka suddenly felt extremely uncomfortable and she wasn’t sure why.

She stopped in her tracks and lowered her head, eyes narrowing contemplatively as she stared at the ground, trying to figure out why she felt so… so off. “Something doesn’t feel right, Shiki.” She pressed her fingers to her temples and looked off in to the distance at the hollow. It wasn’t the whole silvery blood, smelly stuff or the hollow themselves. It was something else entirely. “I can’t pinpoint it for some reason but it feels..” The Segunda took two steps towards the direction of the hollow before pacing back. Frustrated was dear Asuka as she tried furiously to rack her brain.

“Something about this feels familiar.”

She looked up at the Cuarta with a face that was far from jovial or cheerful. It was one that was confused and pained. Of coursed he told them of his own experience with the Shinigami but Asuka’s words would allow him to know that she was talking about something else entirely. Something very personal to her. Fingers raked through teal tresses, pushing them back as she let out a discontented sigh. It was really bothering her that she couldn’t just say it. She felt awful for even bringing it up but nothing was coming to mind.

“I can’t really narrow it down. It just feels awful familiar, y’know?” She turned to Shiki before looking out to the hollow, marching towards it, reaching for her holster and bringing out one of her whips, the chords unraveling as she move through the sand. “We gotta go there and check it out.” There was a feeling she couldn’t ignore and if it was something that could help Shiki out and help him find solace in all of this, she she was going to follow that trail of breadcrumbs.

“Handle it, Aurora.” Asuka called out commandingly to the arrancar as she motioned her head the group of hollow that gathered closely. It wasn’t a question or comment. It was a demand and Asuka would not be challenged on it. Not now when there was something clearly nagging at her and she couldn’t figure out what it was. She felt the need to get closer but obviously, that was going to be a problem with twenty stinkin’ hollow gathered about. Well, it wouldn’t be a huuuuuge problem. Just a teensy one and Asuka knew that this was the right person to deal with. At least, she sure hoped so!

“They’re hollow after all. Should be no big deal right? Aha~!” Although her head was turned away from Aurora, there was a ghost of a smile on her face. A confident one. They were the top of the food chain right? “They’re just hungry and probably don’t want any barbecue sauce though..” Mm.. Fast food condiments… Wait! Wait! Focus, Asuka! She shook her head, immediately focusing back on the task at hand. Figure out what it all means! There had to be a reason why her gut felt so off and if her gut told her something, dammit! She followed it!

“Don’t eat any of ‘em either.” She spoke sternly, looking around. She held out her hand to Aurora giving her a signal not to move just yet. “I’m going to do something and then flank left and get around them. Shiki you can go right all the way if you wanna.. Unless you wanna stay here. I want to get a closer look and see what they’re trying to feast on.” She looked to her fellow Espada, nodding affirmatively before training her eyes on the hollow once more. Asuka walked briskly towards the hollow about ten feet before stopping and whistling, easily gaining the infected hollow’s attention. “Heya guys~!” She hopped a little and just waved excitedly at them.

Each hollow looked up from whatever they were doing and she smiled. Was a shame they had to get rid of ‘em but at the very least, it wouldn’t be her. It would be Aurora~! Aurora was strong right?! Gosh she hoped so. She was literally about to send in to a pack of wolves. Or rather.. send a pack of wolves after her. Asuka honestly wouldn’t be doin’ this kinda thing if she wasn’t so confident in the fact that Aurora could handle a couple of hollow. The bubbly teal haired girl chuckled a bit. “I’ve got food riiiiight…” She turned to her side, revealing Aurora. “Here!”

When she spoke that word she would sonido off to the far, far left, away from the hollow’s line of sight as she’d sneakily make her way to the feeding ground. The Segunda was only there for just the tiniest moment to them but all they’d see was food in the form of Aurora. She could hear the low collective rumbling that came from them until ethereal screams filled the air. It would take a moment to register but they’d all start charging head on, first stop, Aurora. On this menu she was going to be breakfast, brunch, lunch, linner, dinner and dessert if she didn’t do anything to stop them!