Post by Shikitsuhiko Isayama on Jul 19, 2019 20:12:23 GMT -5
Shikitsuhiko stood silently on a balcony overlooking Hueco Mundo. The desert was a vast undulating sea, punctuated by shadowy silhouettes and the faint howls of its residents. This seemingly barren landscape was home to an untold number of dangers that only seemed to worsen the closer you moved to Las Noches. Within the protective dome of Las Noches resided a new set of dangers, each yearning for an opportunity to rise in power and rank. The lust for strength was something that seemed to develop from a hollows' insatiable hunger and drive for survival.
It seemed few Arrancar ever achieved true contentment. Their core instincts only seemed to undergo subtle shifts which could easily explain why so much strife and animosity remained. But these thoughts were nothing new as indicated by a deep and lengthy sigh from the base of his chest. These aforementioned traits were to blame for so many of the unnecessary choices made by the inhabitants of Las Noches. He once thought if a hollow could achieve evolution through mask breaking they would then gain access to greater knowledge. He believed that once they entered Las Noches they would respect their commitments. He was wrong.
Such a reality became truly undeniable the moment his own fraccion had undermined his leadership and plotted against Las Noches. That day was forever etched in his memory. He could still feel the warm blood on his hands and the smell of death as a familiar voice called out to him. Shikitsuhiko-sama. A voice he prayed he would never hear again because of what he would be required to do. The woman's voice continued to echo in his mind as he traversed the halls of Las Noches.
A part of him desired to see her again. This particular part of him was a confusing blend of hatred and compassion. There were very few moments where Shikitsuhiko allowed himself to dwell on the past, but when he did he wondered if he should have killed her. Was banishment an appropriate punishment? He wondered whether it was an excuse to keep the option of seeing her again. His loyalty to Las Noches was unwavering, but even loyalty has its limitations, and she was one of them.
Shikitsuhiko slowly entered Asuka's palace, the vibrations of his footsteps helping to guide him through the winding hallways. "Shikitsuhiko-sama. It's a pleasure to see you. Asuka-sama is currently in the human buying lemons and popsicles in bulk." Shikitsuhiko paused for a moment before directing his attention to Asuka's palace attendant. "I have come for her fraccion. Where does he reside?" The woman smiled brightly. "Oh, Torre-sama. Yes, right this way. He's currently scooping chocolate pudding into individual servings per Asuka's orders."
As Shikitsuhiko entered the room he was overcome with the smell of lemons and oddly chocolate pudding. He sighed as his expression softened. "It appears Asuka's obsession with lemons and chocolate pudding hasn't lessened. Asuka informed me that she had taken on a new fraccion, and requested that we meet. She seems to think you'd benefit from accompanying me on a particularly important mission. I'd ask if you're interested, but she seemed pretty adamant regardless. I suppose I should introduce myself. I am Shikitsuhiko Isayama, Cuarta Espada." He politely nodded as a sign of respect to his fellow arrancar.
It seemed few Arrancar ever achieved true contentment. Their core instincts only seemed to undergo subtle shifts which could easily explain why so much strife and animosity remained. But these thoughts were nothing new as indicated by a deep and lengthy sigh from the base of his chest. These aforementioned traits were to blame for so many of the unnecessary choices made by the inhabitants of Las Noches. He once thought if a hollow could achieve evolution through mask breaking they would then gain access to greater knowledge. He believed that once they entered Las Noches they would respect their commitments. He was wrong.
Such a reality became truly undeniable the moment his own fraccion had undermined his leadership and plotted against Las Noches. That day was forever etched in his memory. He could still feel the warm blood on his hands and the smell of death as a familiar voice called out to him. Shikitsuhiko-sama. A voice he prayed he would never hear again because of what he would be required to do. The woman's voice continued to echo in his mind as he traversed the halls of Las Noches.
A part of him desired to see her again. This particular part of him was a confusing blend of hatred and compassion. There were very few moments where Shikitsuhiko allowed himself to dwell on the past, but when he did he wondered if he should have killed her. Was banishment an appropriate punishment? He wondered whether it was an excuse to keep the option of seeing her again. His loyalty to Las Noches was unwavering, but even loyalty has its limitations, and she was one of them.
Shikitsuhiko slowly entered Asuka's palace, the vibrations of his footsteps helping to guide him through the winding hallways. "Shikitsuhiko-sama. It's a pleasure to see you. Asuka-sama is currently in the human buying lemons and popsicles in bulk." Shikitsuhiko paused for a moment before directing his attention to Asuka's palace attendant. "I have come for her fraccion. Where does he reside?" The woman smiled brightly. "Oh, Torre-sama. Yes, right this way. He's currently scooping chocolate pudding into individual servings per Asuka's orders."
As Shikitsuhiko entered the room he was overcome with the smell of lemons and oddly chocolate pudding. He sighed as his expression softened. "It appears Asuka's obsession with lemons and chocolate pudding hasn't lessened. Asuka informed me that she had taken on a new fraccion, and requested that we meet. She seems to think you'd benefit from accompanying me on a particularly important mission. I'd ask if you're interested, but she seemed pretty adamant regardless. I suppose I should introduce myself. I am Shikitsuhiko Isayama, Cuarta Espada." He politely nodded as a sign of respect to his fellow arrancar.