Radiation Sickness (Luca and Ailene JTTl)

[Akira Hinosai]

training for CTP

Seeing Karakura vanish behind him as the transit took off was strange. Sure, it wasn't like he was going across the country. He wasn't even leaving Tokyo, just the backwater slice that was his adopted hometown. It wasn't like Luca was nervous. Sure, now there were expectations of him now that he'd been promoted. But seeing as how he was sent to investigate an arrancar sighting and not the fire damaged wreck of where an arrancar had attacked, Luca figured he wasn't likely to screw this up. He didn't even think the reports were genuine if he was being honest. Sure, apparently some arrancar were nice or whatever, but one hiding at A university in Tokyo was just absurd.

Still, arrancar sightings had to be taken seriously. So, who better to investigate than UE's infiltration specialist? I wonder if it's the same one who trained Amare? That'd kick ass. Then this trip totally wouldn't be a waste of time! The odds of that were low, but if there was an arrancar, they might know her. Luca assumed all arrancar knew eachother. If nothing else, an arrancar in a sea of normal people would shine like a lighthouse to Luca's senses. As soon as he got there he could start zeroing in, instead of aimlessly wandering the halls like a complete jackass. That was assuming, of course, this arrancar wasn't stealth adept. It was almost too terrible to imagine the headache it would be to find them then.

The commute felt longer than it really was. Luca stretched loudly as he grabbed his bag and stepped off. Apparently there were no uniforms at colleges, so Luca didn't need to disguise himself to blend in. Walking onto campus, Luca tried to find the nearest source of energy. There was something here. Sure it wasn't the energy of someone who was attacking, but it was here. It smelled hollow-y. Luca walked towards it, like a bloodhound chasing a scent. The campus was a giant labyrinth that threatened to swallow him up. Luca must have spent an hour going deeper and deeper still until he reached what he assumed to be some kind of lab building. They're in here! Luca could sense them, but he couldn't tell what possibly could have drawn them here of all places. Security seemed tighter than elsewhere in the building, but Luca was no amateur. He outmaneuvered them all, shorting out a few cameras and breaking a few locks along the way.

When Luca finally reached the room he figured the arrancar would be in, he would kick the door in if it was locked, and go in normally if it wasn't. "Sup. Ok, I wanna know, because I'm super curious. What could POSSIBLY be so interesting you'd cross realms to look at it?"

[Ailene Haschiro]

Through the large and open buildings of Universities, where the scholarly would come to meet, there was still the social concept of cliques which ran rampant. You'd find everything from the athletes to the gamers to the goths. It was a system in which most seemed to fit in, but even despite this, one soul roaming the halls did not seem to fit that. Ailene, dressed in her usual garb and armed with her Zanpakutou as it was properly nestled in its sheath did not mind this too much since under normal circumstances, nobody could really see her. 

Ailene was the type of Arrancar who wanted to learn. She wished to study and understand more about the world around her. Her predecessor originated from the dark times of 14th century Europe where everything was primitive. No proper healthcare systems, occupations where risk of death was a common hazard and sometimes the oppression of the medieval-like government systems would result in any number of tragedies.

As Ailene walked through the halls, she decided to move towards the library. After all, what better place to learn than the library. Yet as she walked in, Ailene would note that there were numerous people who were just sitting and reading or studying, completely oblivious to her presence. Even despite them all being engrossed in their studies, Ailene presumed that a good amount of them just could see her. It was then as she looked towards one of the security staff that she noticed the eye contact.

The security staff seemed to be able to see her which intrigued Ailene. Making eye contact with her, Ailene chuckled as the staff which a hint of trepidation looked at her attire and her blade, seemingly unnerved. Ailene smirked and turned to her. She then in a rather gentle, yet soothingly disturbing tone spoke. "Would you be a dear and close the library for me. I would like to be alone among these plentiful resources." To punctuate this point, Ailene would exert a bit of her spritual pressure upon the woman, seeing the absolute fear and realization in her eye as the gravitational pressure threatened to force her to her knees.

After a few moments, the staff member yelled. "Okay everyone! The library is closing early!" Much to the chagrin of the students, Ailene could hear groaning from each one of them as they stood and began to exit the premises. Ailene nodded at the woman as she herself just walked away to tend to other things, clearly afraid to deal with whatever Ailene was. Ailene did not like to use such intimidation tactics, but the last thing she wanted is for word to spread and for some Shinigami to interrupt this place of learning.

With that, Ailene would begin to peruse through the selection of books and pulled out a delightful read on ancient philosophers and the history of medicine. As she sat down to start her reading, she began to flip through the book, becoming truly encapsulated. Though it seemed that her excitement would be cut short as only a few short minutes after, Ailene would hear a voice presumably speak to her as there was no other soul in sight.

Ailene's interest peaked as she heard the voice speak. "Sup. Ok, I wanna know, because I'm super curious. What could POSSIBLY be so interesting you'd cross realms to look at it?" As she looked up, she noted a taller and rather skinny young gentleman address her. She took a moment to chuckle as she placed the book down. As she spoke, she clearly ignored his question, not even drawing her weapon. Her voice appeared tranquil and calm. "Medicine is such an interesting field is it not? So bound by ethics due to Hippocrates yet able to help those in need, but only by those that can meet the requirements." Ailene smiled at Luca somewhat as she giggled to herself.

As she took another look at the Fullbringer, her voice still remained calm as she continued to speak. "I assume based on your question that you are not only knowledgeable on my origin yet you also seem to have a hint of worry about you. Why else would you be asking me such a question. Now to answer it. It is simply because I love to learn. To become a better scholar every day. Hueco Mundo provides little resources in the aspect of research." She would smile as she rests her chin on her hands, waiting to see how the Fullbringer responded.

[Akira Hinosai]

"A-are you fucking with me?" This was a trick, it had to be! Act all nice, wait for him to let his guard down, then kill him...probably. Luca drew his lighter, ready to release at the slightest provocation. There were so many factors at play here. None of them made any sense. Why wait for Luca to arrive before starting the killing spree? What reason would they have to be here besides what they said. It wasn't like anything of value was here. "I'm not stupid, I know about arrancar. So you're either really good at disguising yourself or just waiting to kill me!" It sounded even less probable when he said it out loud. "If you're an arrancar...shouldn't you have a higher body count here?" Luca's uncertainty was palpable.

There were a million ways Luca imagined this going. All of them made more sense than what was happening before him. Luca still didn't trust this hollow-person hybrid, but he wasn't about to assault them for existing. He wasn't a soul reaper. Still, he'd have to do SOMETHING to salvage this mission. He wasn't going to have to fight an arrancar, but... Luca's thoughts ran back to Amare's supposed mentor. It was risky to assume this arrancar had NO ulterior motives. But it wasn't every day one had the opportunity to study one. Fullbringers and hollows were basically cousins on the tree of spiritually aware beings. Really the only thing they shared was being humanoid and related to hollows, but still. Luca might be able to learn shit from this arrancar.

"Well...Taking everything into account, let's say I decide to trust you." Luca tried to sound cool and authoritative. "My name is Luca Castabella, and I'm the co-director of the Emergency Response Division at UE. You are?" He wasn't scared. His heart was racing, but that was unrelated. Talking to Ailene was like taming a lion. If he turned his eyes away from her, she'd eat him alive. If he showed fear, same result. Fighting her would be easy. At least that was straight forward enough. He took slow, measured steps towards her, and pulled a seat across from the arrancar. He waited for her to attack, and if she didn't, that would calm Luca somewhat.

"Ok, well. I bet this research crap is all very interesting, buuut I've got a better offer." Once he got started with his attempt to win her over, his nerves calmed just a bit further. "Why don't we...share notes as it were. I teach you some stuff about me and mine, you do the same. You get to learn about fullbringers, I learn about arrancar. There could be demonstrations and shit, and we both get stronger? How bout that?" Luca's plan was just audacious enough to work. At least, he hoped it was.

[Ailene Haschiro]

As Ailene sat there, gazing upon Luca, she was fascinated with him. His expression seemed to be shocked and hid a hint of trepidation. No matter how well some tried to hide the fear in their eyes, Ailene could always tell that her presence invoked a certain primal fear. The fear of the unknown and savage. Ailene could not help, but chuckle as she heard Luca speak. "I'm not stupid, I know about arrancar. So you're either really good at disguising yourself or just waiting to kill me!"

It seemed that no matter where she went, Ailene had to be assigned certain traits that did not describe her at all. She was not this bloodthirsty monster that others made her out to be. In fact, she was one of the more gentle Arrancar present in Hueco Mundo. Her goal was not to kill, main or destroy. She was simply on a quest to learn. To understand the wonderful and mysterious world they all moved around in. Her appetite for knowledge was grander than her appetite for blood.

As Ailene's eyes focused on Luca's hand, she took note of a lighter he pulled out. In truth, Ailene had no understanding of fullbringers. She could not make an educated guess as to whether this was a fullbring because of her amnesia that she suffered after taking form. She chuckled as she raised her hand to gently stroke her cheek as her eyes focused onto Luca, almost appearing to try to understand his motivations and desires. 

Ailene could not help, but chuckle once more as she with her calm demeanor, replied. "I'm not the bloodthirsty Arrancar you make me out to be. Actually I have no interest in killing you. It wouldn't provide me much opportunity for research. As a show of good faith, I will recommend that you don't smoke. Not only will you be in your prime for longer time, but you will also find that your body will deteriorate as a much slower rate. Though by that lighter you have, I fear I may be too late." She would have a small grin as an expression.

Most would consider her absolutely insane for even making such a comment, but Ailene took the lighter at face value. It seemed that despite this, their conversation may be reaching a point where they could actually share words that didn't ring with hostility. Luca seemed to introduce himself with confidence. "My name is Luca Castabella, and I'm the co-director of the Emergency Response Division at UE. You are?"

Ailene had good manners, but even she was worried about divulging who she was. However, since Luca had not struck her yet, Ailene could deduce that either he was trying to act in good faith or he was worried about whether he could take her on. It seemed that Luca was becoming more and more comfortable in her presence. This was something that Ailene had both noted and admired. Most would quake in fear at the prospect of seeing an Arrancar.

The Espada would chuckle a little, a tiny smirk appearing on her lips as she sat back in her chair, in a relative relaxed state. "Luca huh? Well that is a very nice name and you have quite good manners so it would not sit well with me to show you the same courtesy. My name is Ailene Haschiro and I am one of the Espada of Las Noches. The Noveno Espada to be exact." Ailene's title carried weight with it as she was essentially one of the strongest denizens of Hueco Mundo.

As Luca seemed to take a seat, Ailene became even more curious as he continued to speak. "Ok, well. I bet this research crap is all very interesting, buuut I've got a better offer." The Espada once again leaned forward, curious to hear this offer. "Why don't we...share notes as it were. I teach you some stuff about me and mine, you do the same. You get to learn about fullbringers, I learn about arrancar. There could be demonstrations and shit, and we both get stronger? How bout that?" This certainly elicited a smile from Ailene. This one was clever. 

Ailene seemed to visibly mull it over in her head. This was akin to a battle of wits. One of willpower, except Ailene seemed to have the upper hand. She was not hear on business nor to fight anyone. She had nothing to lose. Ailene replied in polite manner, her lip curling a little as she spoke. "Now you certainly are talking my language. You seem to know your way to a woman's heart. Though I will admit that I may not be of much use to your want to learn. I don't remember a lot to be exact, but I will try to be of whatever assistance that I can provide." With that, Ailene tilted back into her chair, her eyes fixated on Luca's. She wanted to see what kind of reaction he would give to both her title and her sentiment.

[Akira Hinosai]

Learning she was the Noveno Espada did not evoke much reaction in Luca. Though it helped that he had little idea what the Espada even were It seemed strange to him. What was their deal? Ruling over Hueco Mundo seemed a trivial task, considering it was a barren wasteland with occasional forests of menos. He figured he'd ask about that in due time though. There were other bits of interesting information, and he was determined to learn. "So about the memory thing. Is that because you used to be a hollow? Do you like lose memories of that or something?" Luca realized he was getting ahead of himself. It made way more sense to start with the basics, after all.

After Ailene responded Luca would take point and deliver the first explanation. "Ok, since you revealed something, I'll return the favor. When a woman is attacked by a hollow, part of that hollow energy stays inside her. So then any children that come out of her are bathed in that. Because of that, they are more than base humans. They're spiritually aware, have super powers, buuuut I'll reveal that once you answer something. You people are evolved hollows, I get that. But like how does that happen? What does it feel like, being an arrancar I mean?"

[Ailene Haschiro]

As Ailene had revealed to the Fullbring before her that she was an Espada, she was expecting a grander reaction. Not out of a desire for it, but she was just so used to being either immediately assaulted or antagonized for being an Espada. Most knew what she was if not who she was at least back when she was someone completely different. Funnily enough, this is not the response she got out of Luca. In fact, he seemed to be more confused than anything.

This was a breath of fresh air for the Espada. Decades of being feared, ridiculed and hated for what she was. A small smile formed on her face as she looked at Luca with interest. It seemed that since Luca had more pressing matters that he'd like to address, Ailene patient waited for a question. She was a bit amused that he made no comment towards her mentioning of the lighter. Perhaps he just did not want to have it addressed. 

The Espada would certainly smile as she heard the first question. "So about the memory thing. Is that because you used to be a hollow? Do you like lose memories of that or something?" It was a fairly standard question and a fair one at that. Yet Ailene felt that she could have a bit of fun with him. She was not a malevolent individual, but she had a bit of a penchant for toying with people when she felt like it. One of her more amusing traits. 

"Oh darling. I have not been a Hollow for centuries. Yet I was neither a Hollow nor am I more than a few centuries old. My memory loss stems from the fact that I was once someone else." She smiled as she wanted to make it a little difficult for the Full bringer. After all, what fun was there in just giving him the answers directly. He may have to work his way through it or simply give up in defeat. Ailene would offer this as the first part of her answer.

As Ailene chuckled and smiled at Luca, she hoped that he would not take her comment in some way that was intended to deceive him. In truth, she wasn't being deceptive. She was telling the tale of Kazuna and of Ailene in one single string of a sentence. Yet then Luca asked a question that really peaked her curiosity. "Ok, since you revealed something, I'll return the favor. When a woman is attacked by a hollow, part of that hollow energy stays inside her. So then any children that come out of her are bathed in that. Because of that, they are more than base humans. They're spiritually aware, have super powers, buuuut I'll reveal that once you answer something. You people are evolved hollows, I get that. But like how does that happen? What does it feel like, being an arrancar I mean?"

Ailene was curious to hear about the formation of other races. What caused them to gain their powers and what seemed to shape the person that they are today. Basic psychoanalysis. Though Ailene could not gain anything out of what Luca stated besides how a Fullbringer comes to be. Ailene smiled as she spoke calmly. "Well I suppose that solves one mystery of why you are able to see and communicate with me. Although as to your second question..."

Ailene would think it over and decided to not be ambiguous about it. After all, he was trying to learn and had not assaulted her from the moment they met. She could give him that much. "Well...an Arrancar is born from the desire to break free from the eternal hunger. The desire to evolve just like any intelligent species. There are a number of ways to accomplish this goal. Some are aided by others. Others find the will to break free on their own. As for what it feels like to be an Arrancar. It's like me asking you what it feels like to be human. Sounds silly doesn't it?"

Ailene smiled as she looked at Luca, eyeing him closely. This was a fun little game that they were playing. "I suppose I am curious about something. You came in here clearly expecting a fight based on your initial reaction. Yet from what I can see you have no weapon to speak of unless you aim to burn me to death with the lighter. This makes me wonder where your ability lies." Ailene pulls out her Zanpakutou from the sheath as she lays it against her palm, trying to move in a manner that Luca would not perceive as a threat. "This is where mine lies. So where is yours?"

[Akira Hinosai]

Ailene delivered the memory explanation like it was some kind of riddle. Whether it was literal or metaphorical, Luca couldn't be sure.  He got the feeling it was intentionally vague, which only made him more curious. As the conversation shifted, he was sure to make a mental note of whatever the hell she was talking about. Learning where arrancar came from was interesting, even if his question at the end was kind of stupid. "Point taken. So it's like uplifting a species, then. Sounds killer." It really was an interesting concept to Luca, even if it was vague. Honestly, would it KILL this lady to just...tell me shit?

Luca remembered that he too was being far from forthcoming, but that was totally different. He had to withhold information so she didn't take the proverbial money and run. Like hell am I gonna let this ascended hollow make a fool of me! It was a game, a fight without weapons, but Luca was totally going to win. She asked about Luca's lack of weapon, even mentioning the lighter. But when she asked where his weapon was, that's when he knew he had her.

Luca smiled deviously "Oh, who can say? Appearances can be deceptive. Maybe I'm strapped, but you just don't see the gun hidden under my jacket." Luca showed the inside of his bomber jacket, only for no gun to be visible "Maybe I really did come here with just a lighter. You can fuck some shit up with fire." To punctuate his claim, he flicked the lighter, but instead of a measly candle flame, flames jetted from the lighter. A pillar of fire like that of a flamethrower licked the ceiling. Just when it seemed like it would catch fire, Luca deactivated it. "See? Remember when I mentioned superpowers? That was just a parlor trick compared to the shit I can really do. Figure that one out, why don't you?"

Luca felt like he was on drugs or something, because that was the coolest thing ever. Hidden amidst showmanship there was a lesson on how fullbringers operated. Really, anything could be a weapon with them. That was true in multiple ways. They could manipulate objects, but they truly bound themselves to one in particular. That was the one that elevated them to the level of other races. He didn't show her his fullbring, he only implied where it was. That was an advantage he'd use later.

For now though, it was his turn to ask a question, and he hadn't forgotten the "used to be someone else" riddle. "You say you were someone else like that isn't a normal arrancar thing. You had to have been a hollow in a literal sense, but it wasn't really...you, was it? The idea of you, or identity or any of that high concept shit. I bet evolution has an adjustment period, doesn't it?" Luca felt he was on the right track with his analysis. He had a few ideas, but he couldn't be sure of anything.

Still, if she meant to keep it a secret, she was really bad at it. He'd like to see her try and analyze him. He was really good at hiding what he felt, and he felt a lot. He had gone from confused, to scared, to angry, to immensely pleased with himself in such a short time. This is a fucking emotional roller-coaster. "Though, I don't think that counts as a question. It shouldn't anyway. How about you tell me...What the hell is an espada? What do they do, exactly? Bonus question, do you know anybody by the name of Akira...Asuka...Azula, something like that. She's an arrancar too. Anyway, tell me what I wanna know." Luca sat like an excited child, with his leg bouncing up and down and his eyes wide with enthusiasm.

[Ailene Haschiro]

As Ailene eagerly awaited an answer about his release, she was met with both disappointment and intrigue as Luca was being cryptic in his own little way. Granted, Ailene was not upset as she was cryptic with her own message. Though she found this little encounter to be more worthwhile than she thought. Ailene smiled as Luca put the lighter on display. As he flicked it open, Ailene was expecting the flame to just be that a measly little flame, but she was met with something grander.

As Luca opened the lighter and a roaring inferno that jetted up to the ceiling, threatening to consume all in its wake. Ailene gasped in amazement as she giggled eagerly watching. She then heard something that specifically caught her attention. "See? Remember when I mentioned superpowers? That was just a parlor trick compared to the shit I can really do. Figure that one out, why don't you?" Ailene smirked a little as she saw this as a challenge.

The Espada just sat there, thinking about Luca's little comment until she heard his next question. "You say you were someone else like that isn't a normal arrancar thing. You had to have been a hollow in a literal sense, but it wasn't really...you, was it? The idea of you, or identity or any of that high concept shit. I bet evolution has an adjustment period, doesn't it?" Ailene just chuckled a little as she tapped her fingers on the table. This was becoming rather fun.

Ailene would then think it over as she replied rather sweetly. "Well. You are on the right track, I would be remiss to not admit that. Though I suppose that if he were still alive, we could ask my predecessor. But alas, his death allowed me to rise. As for the idea of identity, it is a bit too...philosophical for my situation, but one could interpret it that way. Think simpler, however." This time, Ailene wanted to be a bit more direct. After all, breadcrumbs needed to be created to solve situations. 

It seemed that despite that, there were more questions to be answered, most likely one of the most pressing matters on Luca's mind. "Though, I don't think that counts as a question. It shouldn't anyway. How about you tell me...What the hell is an espada? What do they do, exactly? Bonus question, do you know anybody by the name of Akira...Asuka...Azula, something like that. She's an arrancar too. Anyway, tell me what I wanna know."

Now this made Ailene giggle a little. This explained as to why Luca did not fear her title. He didn't even know what an Espada was. Ailene tried to keep a straight face, but she could not hide the amusement. Trying to calm down, she would answer slowly. "Okay so to explain this, I will need to provide an illustration." Ailene would reach up to her hair and pull out a needle that she used to keep her bun up. As she did this, her brown hair would fall behind her. Luca would notice that as she tapped the needle with her finger, a tendril of purple reiatsu would flow out towards the tip of the needle, making it more pointed and much much sharper. She might not have been a fullbringer, able to physically manipulate the world, but she could use reiatsu to artificially make this sharper.

Spinning it in her hand and holding it like a pencil, she would bring it to the table and carve some horizontal lines to seperate the levels that she was about to explain. Once she did so, she would begin writing words into each of the different levels, smiling at Luca as she did this. Once finished, she would take the needle and let the reiatsu flow out of it to make it a normal needle again. Finally, holding her hair up and quickly wrapping the bun again, she would push the needle in to hold it, appearing just like she did as they first met. Clearly, she had a bit of an informal side to her, but it was part of the fun.

Ailene would the point at the bottom and start talking. "To start with. There are 4 levels of evolution, 5 if you consider Arrancar. The first you are familiar with. It is the Hollow after a soul has been transformed into one. This is the beginning of what I call, the eternal hunger. An insatiable appetite ready to devour anyone, even friends and family. Truly a horrifying existence." Her hand then moved up one level. "Next, we have the Menos. Hollows still retain their individuality, but then imagine that numerous of Hollow congregate to form a large and rather unintelligent Hollow known as the Menos Grande. Now, since they are an amalgamation of hundreds of Hollows, each is trying to gain domination over the others. A struggle to free themselves from said others."

The Espada would sight as she then moved up another level. "Once one soul has proved themselves to be stronger than the others, they become a single entity. The Adjuchas. Smaller in size, yet exponentially more powerful. After all, they had to prove themselves to hundreds of their kin to achieve this level. Yet the road of the eternal hunger does not stop there. Through more cannibalization, they will reach a final stage." Ailene then raises her finger up one more to point at the top stage of natural Hollow evolution.

Ailene would visibly smile as she taught Luca all this information. "This is known as the Vasto Lorde. Through hardship and through the cannibalism of others, these select few Hollows can ascend to Vasto Lorde. Truly an achievement." As Ailene continued, her expression would turn into a grimmace. "This path is not a straight line, however. It should be noted that any Hollow above Menos can regress a stage. If they do so, their dreams of evolution wither like dust."

Ailene then pointed above the Vasto Lorde which may have confused Luca, but she would explain. "Now imagine. If you were a Vasto Lorde, but you felt that there was more for you than this eternal hunger, how would you ascend to yet a higher plane?" Ailene would let Luca think and answer if he could, but she would then confirm or deny his claim. "You would get rid of that infernal mask. Once having done so, you would reach the level of an Arrancar. A hollow who has transcended the lines of demarcation and gained the powers of a Shinigami."

She would smile now as she got to the part that Luca was no doubt waiting for. "Now. An Arrancar if they prove themself can become one of the fabled Espada. One of 9 ranks that make up some of the strongest Arrancar that Hueco Mundo has to offer. Yet it is a brutal system for if a stronger opponent craves your spot, they can take it by force and rise to their position." Ailene smiled and added as a final note. "As for this individual you refer to, I know not many of my fellow Espada. Refer to the amnesia I mentioned." With this Ailene was finally finished with her explanation and added, "Any further questions?"

[Akira Hinosai]

Wait, ask him? Is she...I mean, I didn't want to assume... The train of thought stopped abruptly. Was she literally another person...like another soul that morphed into another...can that even happen? Though Luca decided to file this piece of the puzzle away. He'd solve it soon enough. For the time being, Luca had an explanation to focus on. Seeing Ailene loosen up a bit was certainly different, and seeing her put some effort into the pageantry of explaining was a very welcome site. It was the kind of thing Luca lived and died for.

The explanation started off innocently enough. He knew arrancar to be evolved hollows, but the process was clearly far more complex. When she mentioned menos, suddenly the explanation quit being fun. Luca remembered the two menos he'd encountered in his career. It left a bad taste in his mouth. He remembered how helpless he was. He remembered Abaddon. The second fight I held my own in. I wounded it before I had my fullbring. You're good Luca, you're not weak like you were then. "Exponentially stronger." Smarter, smaller, faster. I could take an adjuchas! but Luca didn't really know if he could. I'll keep up my hard work. I know I can't fight everything right now, but tomorrow...

Ailene's explanation reached the point of Vasto Lorde. He imagined himself as one, as instructed. Yet it was an image of strength, evolution, ascension in Luca's mind. A walking nuke. When it was time for Luca to respond with his guess for Vasto Lorde ascension, he answered absentmindedly "I guess I'd just train, till i wasn't hungry or whatever..." Luca didn't actually know the next step was mask breaking. He wondered if humans had masks to break. Hollow evolution was more than wanton slaughter, it was forging a perfect blade. With every blow, more and more imperfections were beaten out until finally, arrancar,. But there was more than that. The espada were the highest of all. Meanwhile, Luca's explanation paled in scope. It's like we're the mistakes, the runts of the litter.

How much stronger am I going to get? I've got my fullbring...so when do I evolve? Is the distance between fullbringers and arrancar so great? "You actually were someone else. Another soul, but the same body. That's why you keep referring to whoever came before like that. I'd never heard of it happening, hence my reluctance to go down that path of logic." Luca would pause for a moment. Everything was fine. Nothing was wrong. He was strong. He mattered, no matter what pricks like Abbadon said. "Uzaki Enterprises and Xcution. We've got those, like for fullbringer organizations, but not only fullbringers can join. The former is dedicated to protecting Karakura, and advancing the skills and knowledge of its members. Xcution kills people, I guess. For money."  He didn't know why he said that. He just did, and then he was obligated to continue.

I am fine. "Fullbringer organizations mirror, to some capacity, the world they are raised in. They have to put up a front, like fullbringers themselves." This is fine. "But you wanted to know if I had any questions, not that you had anymore yourself...I want to know the real difference between arrancar and fullbringers." He didn't say why. He didn't trust Ailene that much. He couldn't tell her he wanted to see if the bridge in power could be gapped. He just couldn't. "If you wanted me dead, we wouldn't be talking, so I feel confident asking to see examples of what you're capable of." Luca sat back and waited for a response, a cold, clinical look about him. This was important. Very important.

[Ailene Haschiro]

This day was going much more differently than Ailene expected. Not to say that she was disappointed, but her primary goal was actually to read. It seemed that despite that, someone just had to be drawn to her spiritual pressure. Yet...Ailene was pleased. She was happy to learn more about the other races that walked the different planes of existence. It was also nice to actually talk about the past that she knew about. She knew very little, but enough to talk about herself.

As she looked at Luca, a small smile graced her lips as she heard his next comment. "You actually were someone else. Another soul, but the same body. That's why you keep referring to whoever came before like that. I'd never heard of it happening, hence my reluctance to go down that path of logic." The Espada would lean back in her seat and laugh. It was a rather content laugh as her eyes met Luca's once more, a small smirk on her lips now. 

She spoke proudly. "Well done! I was worried that I was being a little too cryptic, but I am impressed that you figured it out." Ailene came about from the fusion of two souls, bound by blood. A connection strong enough that each imprinted onto the other and created something grander. This is what Ailene was. She happily listened as Luca explained the systems that the Human World used for both full bringers and other races. 

Ailene was certainly intrigued to hear all about it. After all, it was so different from the way that she was used to. In Hueco Mundo, the strong survived while the weak lied dead upon the sand or groveled beneath those that were more powerful. It was a basic system that worked in the grand scheme of things. It fit the brutal wilds of Hueco Mundo just as easily. Yet despite this upbringing, Ailene was a rather diplomatic individual. Her goal was to learn and understand. Not search and destroy. 

As Luca finally got to the end, Ailene listened closely as he responded to her question. "But you wanted to know if I had any questions, not that you had anymore yourself...I want to know the real difference between arrancar and fullbringers." This admittedly for the first time in their conversation, made Ailene raise an eyebrow. She was admittedly not sure what he meant, but this would become abundantly clear soon.

Ailene was surely a powerful Arrancar. You needed to be to secure a spot among the Espada. Yet unlike most of her peers, she was significantly weaker in her sealed form. In fact, she was somewhat of a pushover. This brought up a further complication as Luca continued with his request. "If you wanted me dead, we wouldn't be talking, so I feel confident asking to see examples of what you're capable of."

The Espada would visibly sigh. Her facial expression wasn't annoyed, but she was mulling it over in her head, not quite sure on how to proceed. After all, if she took him up on his offer, she would need to release to not be pummeled most likely. She did not know the upper limits of Luca's strength, but she was not about to take any chances. However, that would mean...unleashing that beast upon Luca. In the best case scenario, Ailene would regain control of herself as Luca lay broken and battered before her. Then again, she may end up killing him. 

Ailene looked at Luca and promptly responded. "I am typically the type to avoid combat. The gap you refer to is one that may span the length of an ocean. And I'm afraid it is that gap that may threaten to swallow you whole." Ailene looked at Luca with a bit of a concerned look. She tilted her head, hoping not to appear as though she were insulting him. "I would not mind fighting you with restrains, but I fear that if I show you the full range of that gap..." Ailene felt dread more than anything as she punctuated her statement. "You would surely die." Her goal was to discourage the fight, but she feared that this may have provoked him even more.

[Akira Hinosai]

Luca was not so delusional he thought he could kill anyone without breaking a sweat. He wasn't like that. He had much still to learn, but suddenly, it all seemed so small compared to the accomplishments of an arrancar. His limits were far past any human, but every race had a point where they would stop getting stronger. Aileen, nice enough and interesting as she was seemed to think so. She thought Luca was destined for mediocrity, which stung worse than any insult. "You think I'm some kind of lowlife, some kind of weakling...You look at me and you see a lesser species. But I'll make you see the extent of my power. I won't give an inch, then we can see if a fullbringer can truly become the strongest." Why did that sound so stupid? He tried to sound angry, but desperation and pain shun through.

"We'll take the fight somewhere else. My boss forbids endangering civilians." Luca shifted back to talk of power and evolution. "Ailene, maybe I can fly, but how would I know unless I leaped from a tall building? We never know what we're capable of unless we try." He was nervous, but he couldn't back down. The only good weaklings were those brave enough to die before admitting they could never be special. Luca wasn't a coward. He wasn't going to be a normal human. He was so much more. One day he'd go back to California, and see his parents just to destroy their house. He'd prove to them and everyone he was special all this time.

"I'm not afraid, you know."

Luca would only fight Ailene somewhere innocents wouldn't be hurt. He'd follow her anywhere to that end. He needed to see this. It was like he had blinders on. This was the only thing that mattered to him, that could matter to him until he did it. I don't fear pain or blood. Every blow I endure makes me stronger. I don't care what it takes. I will reach the top!

[Ailene Haschiro]

It seemed that no amount of discouragement could make Luca back down from this challenge now. Not even Ailene's threat of death if she fought at her full potential seemed to be enough. Ailene was always a gentle soul and she hated to kill or maim, but she was worried that Luca would push this past a point where she could diffuse this. This had escalated to a point beyond that. Ailene continued sitting there, looking at Luca with a worried expression.

Much like other Espada, she had the ability to destroy others if she wanted, but it is not something she relished. Her outlook in this situation was about to be unique, however. Ailene as a gentle spirit, always tried to make it clear that she had the best intentions for others. In fact, she loved the idea of talking things out. Yet it seemed that even Ailene would give into her vices as Luca's next comment made ticked her off. 

"You think I'm some kind of lowlife, some kind of weakling...You look at me and you see a lesser species. But I'll make you see the extent of my power. I won't give an inch, then we can see if a fullbringer can truly become the strongest." To twist another's words was something that Ailene despised. To betray the acts of kindness that she offered with blatant lies and slander was something that drove her up the wall and truly made her seem like any other Espada.

Not only would, Ailene expression darken, but so would the mood of the room. As she was now being silent, the only sound that could be heard in the room amidst Luca's talking was the rhythmic tapping of her finger against the table. She would continue to listen calmly. "We'll take the fight somewhere else. My boss forbids endangering civilians. Ailene, maybe I can fly, but how would I know unless I leaped from a tall building? We never know what we're capable of unless we try."

As the Fullbringer seemed to be done speaking, Ailene would rise. Though as Ailene rose, Luca would feel himself almost become heavier. As though gravity itself were becoming stronger around him. Ailene knew this concept as gravitational pressure and it is something she only exerted upon those weaker than her when she truly felt upset. She naturally would not make it crush him or push him to the table, but Luca would definitely feel a whole lot heavier, as though the air around was an ocean, threatening to drown him.

As Ailene looked at the fullbringer as she began to speak, completely unlike her happy tone before. "Are you familiar with the story of Icarus? It is a tale of hubris as Icarus flew to close to the sun, melting the wax wings that his father made for him. It is truly a tragic tale and one that fits this scenario far too well. I may not like fighting, but now you've genuinely made me upset. I will take us somewhere where we can do this."

The Espada would tap the air before her, using her finger to make a dragging-down motion. As she did this, the air before her almost seemed to collapse like a maw and then open wide as a dark void opened before both herself and Luca. As she turned to the Fullbringer, she once again spoke completely unlike her normal demeanor. "This will take us to an area with no inhabitants. Follow me, if you even can." She would continue her gravitational pressure upon Luca until he cleared the Garganta and was following her. 

Ailene would hop into the Garganta, as a path of reishi materialized under her. It was a path that Luca could stand on if he so desired. As they would clear the Garganta, they would find themselves in an open plains. As Ailene stepped onto the dirt, she would turn back to Luca who she assumed followed her. She slowly drew her Zanpakutou from her sheath and sighed. Tilting her head from side to side, she stood before the Fullbringer. "Now it is time to see if the depth of your confidence is simply hubris or if you truly can pack a punch. Show me Luca if you are yet another fool like Icarus or if you truly have what it takes to take on an Espada."

[Akira Hinosai]

The air grew heavy, but Luca would not fall. He wouldn't let himself. When Ailene spoke, there was no warmth in her voice. He didn't know if this was the true Ailene, or if he had wounded her somehow. Some part of Luca felt almost sorry for awakening a killer within a peaceful creature. But he couldn't apologize. He couldn't back down. He was in too deep. Even if he wasn't, he still had to see if his life's purpose was achievable or not. She turned his mention of flying into the tale of Icarus. It was one he knew well. It left a bitter taste in his mouth. Most greek myths did. He couldn't stand heroes dying or not winning. It wasn't fair. I won't be like them, I won't!

When the portal opened, Luca laughed bitterly. The parallel was too great. She's Abaddon with tits! This was the rematch he'd been craving. The sleepless nights he spent breaking shit wishing it was Abaddon's stupid face, the anguished screaming and bitter tears...thinking of vanquishing the lanky smug prick was pure ecstasy...Ecstacy and fear. Luca didn't want to go back to the menos forrest. He didn't want to be left there by himself. He didn't want to die. Evolution requires a leap. I won't show weakness. Luca got up, though it was difficult. He took steps towards the garganta. He had to.

He stood before her and knew there was no going back. He was going to reveal the truth, whatever it was. No matter how terrifying the answer, it was better than uncertainty. Luca still could have stopped it. He could have tried to, but when he opened his mouth to apologize, he instead said "I REJECT A LIFE OF MEDIOCRITY! Come at me with all you've got, Miss Arrancar. I'll show you the power of humanity." and the final barrier was crossed.

Luca ran at her, lighter in hand. Forgoing a flashy release, he wanted to catch her off guard. Ailene would see the lighter from before erupt into bright green light, as it extended into a brass spear. Within a heartbeat or two, he would be on her, unleashing a flurry of stabs and slashes. For all Luca was, he would at least appear to be someone who knew his weapon well. He could make it dance like a novice fighter could never dream of. Luca would parry any blows that came his way, as well. If Ailene was cut by the blade, she would feel a burning sensation around the sound, as the skin around the cut turned red and crispy. The wounds would bleed far more than they should as well, and she would feel nausea and fatigue where none existed before.

Luca had never gotten to use his fullbring on a true combatant for fear of hurting them. Some part of him relished in seeing it work, even if it was on a girl.

reiatsu: 5050/5250 from fullbring activation

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}{stats}
Strength: 180 (225)
Speed: 150
Reiatsu Strength: 100 (60)
Spiritual Pressure: 300(525)
Instinct: 100
Senses: 50 (37)
Energy Sensory: 50
Healing Factor: 0
Light Aura: 70
Dark Aura: 30


Analyzing: 1
Learning: 1
Strength of Will: 2
Weapon(Polearms):2
Battle Analysis: 1
Stealth: 2
Acting: 2

[Ailene Haschiro]

As Ailene stood there before Luca, she had maintained a rather defensive stance. While she may not have had formal training, she had centuries worth of experience to tinker with using a blade. To really learn what it meant for a weapon to become an extension of the user. It seemed that despite this, Luca would seem to appear confident. His stance did not change and it appeared that he was not fearful of her at all. In some ways, that steadfast behavior could be admired.

The Espada concentrated on him, determined that he was going to make the first move. It was then that Ailene heard him shout. "I REJECT A LIFE OF MEDIOCRITY! Come at me with all you've got, Miss Arrancar. I'll show you the power of humanity." It was then that Ailene would find that the Fullbringer was dashing at her. The speed at which he was traveling at felt comparable to Ailene's making it easier to track him. It was then that Luca unleashed a bright green light as the lighter in his hand changed into what appeared to be a spear.

This was troubling. Ailene was not in the optimal position to take advantage of such a weapon. Thanks to her ability to quickly analyze the situation and her natural instincts, she was somewhat prepared for the assault. Much like a dancer, Ailene would quickly pivot to the side in an attempt to dodge the barrage almost entirely. It seemed that Luca was a bit faster than her along with the suprise attack, leaving Ailene would a nasty cut on her thigh. 

Continuing to pivot to the side of Luca, Ailene would end it with a quick cut end to what would be Luca's Achilles tendon. Ailene had a bit of a penchant for anatomy. She could easily determine anatomical locations based on her sight alone. Regardless of whether Luca actually blocked the strike or not, Ailene had another plan already in mind. As her sword was traveling towards the tendon, Ailene's hand was simultaneously going in for a punch.

This punch was rather unique, however. Ailene had mastery over the use of a bala. Ailene herself was pretty frail as is, but as her punch made it's way towards Luca's shoulder, the reiatsu around her hand already began to spike. If Luca let himself get it or attempted to block it, he would find myself being bombarded by a point blank bala, most likely knocking him away if it hit,. This was just due to the natural concussive force of the bala. 

Assuming she had been successful, Ailene held the side of her thigh as she looked down to inspect it. It seemed that the actual wound itself was beginning to redden far more than usual. She was also feeling a strange dizziness. In fact, it was also bleeding more than usual. Ailene naturally was able to deduce that this was out of the ordinary. This made her realize that she had to take care not to take too many hits. After all, it seemed that Luca was actually able to puncture her Hierro. This was rather troubling indeed. She decided to continue testing the waters, seeing how she could fare against Luca normally. 

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats & Skills}Stats while Sealed
Strength - 40
Speed - 120
Spiritual Pressure - 400 
Reiatsu Strength - 400 
Light Aura - 50
Dark Aura - 50
Instinct - 100
Senses - 40
Energy Sensory - 40
Healing Expertise - 120

Stats while Released
Strength - 100 
Speed - 300 
Spiritual Pressure - 1000
Reiatsu Strength - 1000
Light Aura - 0
Dark Aura - 100
Instinct - 100 x 1.5 = 150
Senses - 100 
Energy Sensory - 100
Healing Expertise - 300

Total SP: [1800 Points]

[Analyzing] [3]
[Calm Mind] [2]
[Strength of Will] [1]
[Anti-Stealth] [2]
[Illusion Resist] [1]
[Lack of Fear] [2]
[Battle Analysis] [2]
[Pain Tolerance] [2]

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu}Bala - 50
Reiatsu Total: 3950/4000

 

[Akira Hinosai]

Ailene matched Luca's ferocity with elegance and precision, but she still fell victim to a particularly good cut along the thigh. Though before he could properly capitalize on his strike, she had a blade ready to take out his foot from under him. Muscle memory took over. He'd practiced for this. Though she may have been beside him, he could still block with the haft of the spear as though it were a quarter staff. Yet Ailene wasn't content with just one attack. Luca saw the punch coming towards his shoulder and quickly brought his spear up to block. It seemed smart. It would hurt her hand, and then he could be on the offensive again. Yet when the blow connected, Luca was sent flying backwards.

He landed on his feet, if barely. Luca was suddenly at a distance that even his spear couldn't make use of. Ailene might have thought that, anyway. Luca recovered quickly and ran at her again, holding his spear out like a knight may hold a lance. It looked like Luca wanted to try and impale her, but quickly, he would unveil his real plan. The blade of his spear glowed as a beam of green reiatsu fired straight at her. If it hit, it would pierce her through wherever contact was made, causing burns and bleeding from both sides of the area of contact. She would feel the pain, nausea and fatigue just like when she was cut. Even if she dodged it, Luca hoped to take advantage of the recovery time from the dodge to keep her on the defensive with another flurry of spear strikes. If he could get in close and begin attacking, though, he would launch another beam of reiatsu. Whatever the outcome, Ailene would certainly recognize the attack of a bastardized version of cero

Luca was many things, but he wasn't stupid. He knew what bala was. He'd been on the receiving end of bala, though he didn't realize that until it was too late. She was a cunning fighter, and a precise one. Not many would try and sever Luca's mobility so quickly. He was a fast learner though, and everything he saw, he made note of. He knew to be on guard for stunts like that again.

Reiatsu: 4850/5250 (beam attack x2)