Synthetic Bonds [JT w/ Ailene]

[Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou]

Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou

---

I can't hold myself back anymore! This time, I'm really going to lose it - aren't I? Sorry, Ailene; you're the only one who can stop me. But you are strong, right? Surely it's okay for me to go all out - just this once - right?! This reiatsu is the strongest I have ever felt since that time, you really shouldn't have done that - haha!

Yes, my power is rising; you must be able to feel it as well Ailene. It is as you just said - we are hollows! You an I both, and here within this park we will clash against one another until there is nothing left between one or either of us~! Ahh~hahaha, it feels so euphoric to be recognized.

I must be intimidating, I don't think I've ever given off this much reiatsu before - this much bloodlust!

"There's no going back now, Ailene! I HOPE YOU'RE PREPARED!!!"

Contrary to what Ailene might be witnessing, Shio's reiatsu flares drastically. It is like a raging torrent of it, blasting open like a detonated flare - dramatic and mesmerizing to look at, though perhaps for all the wrong reasons.

Shio jumps from the bench like a magnificent soaring eagle, somehow able to perform an entire foward flip - in her prestine plsuhie form - before finally landing once again by the heels of her boots. Existing not more than a few meters away from Ailene still, the teensy challenger presses her hind boot one further step back, crouches forward, placing her right balled fist within the palm of her left, and breaths deeply.

"Hhhhhhaaaa..."
Chanting to coalesce all of her reiatsu into this singular point of power.

What do you think of this, Ailene? It's okay to be afraid, but I have sensed your spiritual pressure now - I know you're at least powerful enough to deserve this! Umu, if you are unable to survive this, then there is no possible way that I could continue this fight. So prepare yourself fully! Because I'm charging... still charging... just one moment longer please. Uhm.. this technique is worth the wait, I promise! It usually doesn't take this long...

...A moment of on-edge worry might fill the air for any onlookers.

Ah, there it is!

Behold, this technique that has crushed many of mine enemies under my fist!

As though to signify she is ready to begin, the forward boot of Shio digs deeper into the dirt beneath them. An echo, albeit tiny, of dust lashes out from her in all directions as she finally is done with her preparations. The tension in the air culminating upon a taut string - ready to snap.

---

NOTES: ---

--- ---

[Ailene Haschiro]

Today was quite a day for Ailene. Her goals when she woke up were rather simple. Brew a steaming cup of tea, visit the World of the Living, check on the building that had been purchased by Orobas for the Tea Shop and finally purchase some unique flavors to prepare for the grand opening. Everything was going according to plan. That was until she ran into the most unlikely individual. A talking doll that had introduced herself as Shio. The Arrancar had to admit that this was one of the few things that surprised her. To further compound this issue, she had described herself as a Hollow. A hollow that was forced to take on the form that sat before Ailene. Put frankly, the Espada did not buy it. 

Ailene was a number of things. Kind. Inquisitive. Curious. She could not simply leave such a fascinating soul to fester in a store where she had found her. Ailene's compassion made her desire to help others. It was an emotion that ran strong within her. Having rescued Shio, the Arrancar simply desired to look after the Mod Soul's fragile form. Despite her intentions though, it seemed that Ailene had underestimated the pride that Shio held. It was intoxicating to the Mod Soul. An emotion that called Shio to action. To defend her honor. Her pride. Ailene could recognize these things quite easily. She was highly analytical after all and had little problem dissecting even the tiniest of mannerisms. 

While Ailene could not sense the extent of Shio's capabilities, the Arrancar could sense something. A sensation that was all too familiar to a part of Ailene. An intense bloodlust that filled the air around them. Despite her small size, Ailene had to admit that Shio could give off quite the aura. She had a presence that could be felt by the empathic. The Arrancar could not help but raise an eyebrow. Suddenly, the Mod Soul spoke. "There's no going back now, Ailene! I HOPE YOU'RE PREPARED!!!" Ailene watched Shio rise to her feet. Suddenly tendrils of spiritual pressure leaped forth from the Mod Soul. Ailene would be largely unfazed by the display on the outside. Suddenly Ailene felt an inner voice rise up from within her.

"Kill it. Kill it now! A tasty soul to help us grow stronger..." Ailene suddenly felt talons grab her from behind. She blinked for a moment as there was no physical body behind her. Instead, she felt a presence that began to wrap its arms and razor-sharp talons around the Espada. It growled eagerly, likely unbeknownst to Shio, eyeing the doll before them. Ailene could feel her other half bubble. It was locked within her Zanpakutou. While she did not utilize her Resurrección, Shio could remain safe. Despite that, Ailene felt uneasy. A fragment of her Hollow side burrowed its way upward. Ailene could feel the figure staring at Shio with greedy longing. Suddenly its talons began to lower, leaning into Ailene's form. 

"Mmm..what are you waiting for Ailene. Kill it quickly. Devour it whole and embrace me. Embrace us...your true self. You can't escape it no matter how much you try...You need me..." Ailene shook her head. She'd pay it no heed. Ailene barked back her alter ego viciously. "Silence. You hold no power here, beast! You are powerful, but I have no need of you. I shall not debilitate this poor misguided soul. Now silence that tongue of yours..." After their little mental squabble, Ailene felt the presence recede. She no longer felt herself being grasped. Despite her retort, the Arrancar visibly shook for a moment ironically around the time when Shio flared her reiatsu even more.

Shio's next maneuver was rather surprising. Ailene had to admit that she was impressed the doll leapt into the air gracefully, twisting and turning while in the air. Her airborne form descended and landed before the Arrancar not more than a few meters away. Ailene, naturally, dwarfed the height of the doll which demanded that the Espada look down. Did Shio know what she was getting herself into? Ailene was not sure if she did. After all the Arrancar had never once identified herself as the Septima Espada. She was for all intents and purposes one of the strongest Arrancar in Las Noches. Perhaps Shio believed her to be a lowly subordinate? Someone unbefitting of the strength to face her?

The Arrancar thought long and hard about it. Perhaps this was not all bad. It would give Ailene a way to directly measure Shio's stength. Perhaps for a few minutes...she could give into what it meant to be a Hollow. A life of conflict and blood filled her past. Ailene resented it. It's why she tried so hard to be different. To separate herself from the power-hungry despots that were among the Espada. Could she truly do it? To, in her mind, sink to their mentality? It seemed that it would be unavoidable as the Mod Soul coalesced more reiatsu around herself. "Hhhhhhaaaa..." Ailene raised an eyebrow. She was not that competent at sensing the reiatsu of others, but she knew an attack when she saw one and Shio telegraphed it quite clearly.

Ailene blinked for a moment. She was curious to see what she could do. What Shio was capable of. How she stacked up in comparison to an Espada. Though would it be wise to reveal her identity? Ailene thought on it for a moment before she came to a conclusion. No, not yet. For now, she'd be Ailene, the Arrancar of Las Noches. Nothing more. She sighed softly. While sealed in his manner, she was much weaker. Would it be enough to handle Shio? After all, she just had to try and tire her out. Try and stall for time until Shio could not fight anymore or simply worked it all out of her system. Ailene would not draw her Zanpakutou. She'd look down at Shio, still seemingly charging her attack. She would not charge her own reiatsu. She would simply raise her arms. If Shio tried to strike at her torso or any part of her upper body, Ailene would attempt to simply block it with her arms, moving it into position at a speed of 120. Hierro covered her entire body, shielding her from attacks while it remained active or degraded. It was time to see what Shio could do!

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats & Skills}
Strength - 40
Speed - 120
Spiritual Pressure - 300 
Reiatsu Strength - 400 
Light Aura - 50
Dark Aura - 50
Instinct - 250
Senses - 40
Energy Sensory - 20
Healing Expertise - 160

Stats while Released
Strength - 100 
Speed - 300 
Spiritual Pressure - 750
Reiatsu Strength - 1000
Light Aura - 0
Dark Aura - 100
Instinct - 375
Senses - 100 
Energy Sensory - 50
Healing Expertise - 400

Total SP: [1900 Points]

[Analyzing] [3]
[Calm Mind] [3]
[Cero Mastery] [3]
[Battle Analysis] [3]
[Pain Tolerance] [3]
[Weapon: Natural Weapons] [2]

[Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou]

Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou

---

Ailene isn't moving at all, does she want me to attack first? Maybe she simply cannot believe the inhuman depths of my power now that she has been granted a glimpse of my reiatsu! Very well, it is not quite my style, but I will play into your attempt to lure me in - that is, if you can dodge this!

Shio darts forward like a leaping panther, her reiatsu roars to life simultaneously; tail and scarf flouriishing in the wind, ears pulled back by the intensity of her attack - the manner in which she rushes toward Ailene that of a honed and deadly warrior! From her own perspective. Erupting with a yell both loud and fierce.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH-!"
Right until the moment of collision.

...

Pomf.

In that very moment, right upon collision, her reiatsu dissipates in every direction. There is a shockwave, 'shockwave' being subjective to one the size of Shio herself, as her intended punch strikes Ailene directly; that's right, a direct hit! Directly against her shin, just below the knee, that is.

Wha- what was that?! Did she defend against it? Impossible-

Pomf. Squeak. Pomf. Pomf.

It is merciless, the wrath of one as mighty such as Shio. Truly, one might even call it 'unfair', disarming - even.

"I'm... I'm not done yet!"
SqueakSqueakPomfSqueakPomfPomfSqueak- "HhhhAAAAAAAAAAAAGGHH-! hh-..."

From an outside perspective, much like an ankle-biter throwing a temper tantrum, Shio launches a whirlwind of punches and kicks in sequence - one after another. It is relentless, absolutely so, Shio spares no quarter. In ensuring her form is perfect, each thrust of her arm or leg landing perfectly on its mark - still against the shin of Ailene's right leg - her attacks are truly without holding back; but even so.

Her skin is so - hard-! What the hell is with this barrier strength?!?!
As she continues pushing her tiny arms out.

I'm almost out of breath- no, I am out of breath! Quick, pull back, pull back!!!

Gasping for air, Shio backpeddles a few steps, wobbling on her feet, barely still maintaining her fighting stance whilst her azure gaze remains still fixated upon where she had landed her assault; never truly looking up to take a glance at what Ailene's reaction might be.

"You've... really done quite well- hha. I wouldn't have expected you'd put up a barrier of such strength, it is formidable; but no match for my next move, keep your guard up!"
Yes, this is far from over - Ailene!

---

NOTES: ---

--- ---

[Ailene Haschiro]

Ailene waited with an uncharacteristic eagerness. She had to admit that fighting was not one of her preferred activities. Actually, on the contrary. She hated it. In her mind there was nothing that a soothing cup of tea couldn't solve. A few choice words could go a long way in ending any encounter. Not that Ailene was weak. When she commanded the power of her Resurrección she was a force to be reckoned with. However, it always came at the cost of her humanity...or at least whatever humanity that she had left as an Arrancar. This skirmish of hers that was about to take place though seemed unavoidable. Shio, too proud to back down, and Ailene, too curious to see the Mod Souls capabilities, would like likely have to go at it here and now.'

Shio already got into position. Ailene quickly studied her. The stance she took. The reiatsu she released. Everything that she could feasibly analyze. It all spoke of a soul that was confident and ready to face danger in all its various forms. Ailene had to admit. It was commendable. Yet Ailene did not believe in blind hope or arrogance either. She was one of the Espada. An elite of Las Noches. One of the nine strongest Arrancar and yet...Shio was still attempting to take her on. Granted Ailene had not mentioned her rank in Las Noches, but could she not feel her reiatsu earlier? Was this not enough to make her crumble? It seemed she possesed a remarkable will. Ailene was thankful for one thing. That Shio was fighting her of all Espada. Knowing the others, they would have likely crushed that spirit. 

Concentrating on the doll before her once more, Ailene blinked as she descended upon her, a battle cry rising from her lips. "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH-!" Preparing herself for an upper body strike, having normally fought those of equivalent or greater height, Ailene was certainly not used to fighting someone so much smaller. She moved slower than Ailene, much slower in fact, yet the Arrancar was not ready for an attack to her lower body. The distance and surprise left Shio striking Ailene's shin. The Arrancar nearly expecting herself to get knocked back. To feel some overwhelming force suddenly take control. One second passed. Then two. Finally, ten. Almost twelve seconds had now passed as Ailene looked at Shio in disbelief.

Her Hierro was much weaker while sealed like this, but it was still no slouch to those that were far weaker. To Shio, Ailene's skin must have felt like an iron wall. To Ailene, meanwhile, the strike practically carried no force as the Hierro easily dispersed the force. Ailene could not help, but blink, somewhat dumbfounded. She was scared...of this? Suddenly a roar erupted from Shio. Assurance that she was going to continue. "I'm... I'm not done yet!" Then another fearsome battle cry. "HhhhAAAAAAAAAAAAGGHH-! hh-..." Each hit, a flurry of blows erupting from Shio's doll body, glanced against her Hierro. Ailene felt nothing. No pain. No physical force exerted on her. It was as if a light breeze had challenged her to a fight.

The Arrancar would merely stand there, still shocked over what was going on. Yet among each of the hits, Ailene noticed something. Something that others may have missed. Her form was deteriorating. She was becoming more sluggish. She was losing breath. Now this was interesting to Ailene. Each hit came crashing against the Hierro with little effect and yet Shio would continue her onslaught. She'd attempt again and again to pierce the iron skin and land even one effective blow against Ailene. That was at her peak condition and yet after a few strikes against an immovable object, she was becoming fatigued. Ailene would take note of this. Suddenly she saw the demeanor of Shio change.

She would, for a moment, disengage her assault as her form had deteriorated a little more. She'd seemingly ponder for a moment as she backpeddled, attempting to keep her crumbling form from completely breaking apart. Ailene sighed for a moment as she moved her shin side to side. It felt fine. If there had been any injuries, Ailene could have easily identified them given her understanding of anatomy and the condition of the body. There was nothing. Not even a scratch upon her skin. The strike had just barely torn the fabric of her outfit causing her to groan a little. Looking down at Shio once more, the Arrancar sighed and raised her hand.

Pointing a finger at the Mod Soul before her. She felt that if she wanted to truly face off against her, then Ailene had to at least respond in kind. Reiatsu began to coalesce into a small orb before the Arrancars' hand. It grew to the size of twice her finger, never expanding outward aggressively. In fact it would hover serenely before her fingertip. Ailene had true mastery of Cero. One of few Arrancar who took the simpler applications to their logical extreme. This effortless control over Cero allowed to change its size, strength and sometimes even its shape to how she saw fit. She'd utilize this finesse to truly see just how competent Shio was in a rather low-stakes environment as the Mod Soul blurted out. "You've... really done quite well- hha. I wouldn't have expected you'd put up a barrier of such strength, it is formidable; but no match for my next move, keep your guard up!"

After about two or so seconds of charging, the reiatsu sitting in a compact orb, Ailene would allow it to expel outward as she spoke softly. "Cero." It quickly expanded into about the size of a fist, launching itself with rather impressive speed at Shio. There were two things that were off about the Cero though. For one, the angle was slightly ajar. If Shio did not move, it would likely just encompass her arm. The other notable aspect of it was its strength. Ailene had purposefully tuned it down heavily. The Cero packed an RS of about 50. Enough to singe whatever it came into contact with, but likely not enough to burn whatever it touched to ash. Regardess, Ailene was eager to see how Shio would respond to this little response of her. 

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu}
Total Reiatsu: 2800/3000

Cero - 200

[Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou]

Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou

---

Perhaps that previous technique had winded me more than I thought, hh-! I still feel all woozy, can barely stand straight; but I inflicted damage, look! Her clothes are slightly torn! As expected of me, no matter how strong your barrier may be, it could not completely deflect my ability.

Nod nod. It might not even be a stretch to say that, if I had continued such a onslaught, her barrier should be in shreds right now! It's only a matter of time then until- is, is that what I think it is?!

'Cero!' Shio thinks to herself, excited, not registering any danger at first, simply mesmerised by the slightly glowing ball of reiatsu expanding from Ailene's pointed finger.

Such a powerful Cero it is, as well! I can sense it, in all its majestic capacity, the raw destructive potential within that seemingly tiny ball of power. It's to be expected you'd want to go all out against me Ailene, but I had not expected you to use such a POWERFUL technique this early on - nonetheless.

I am unfazed by it, yes, come at me!

Shio remains in place very confidently, within that short few seconds of charging, it may be too late for Ailene to realize that this small doll, in all of her hubris, has not chosen to evade; rather, she has chosen to firmly stand her ground. Much too late in fact for this to register upon Ailene's mind, as the cero is fired.

Her eyes narrow, brows furrow, boots dig into the ground as her reiatsu flares; one witnessing might even notice the very trace reishi within the air fluttering, rising up in a spiral pattern, floating like butterflies in wisps. In the few fractions of a second it takes for the cero to reach Shio, it is as though time is slowed for her.

As though the danger just now registers upon her mind, and her eyes go wide.

It rips right through her body, her expression the very essence of shock; her mind goes blank. Just narrowly does it miss directly hitting her torso, however her arm is bisected completely - furthermore, a circular shaped hole is torn directly through the right side of her midriff.

Little sense does this make to the fragile doll, who is thrown several meters back by the sheer force of the impact.

It is neither a graceful landing, as she is flung without response, flipping and rolling several times across the park dirt before coming to a sudden - crashing - halt. If she were in a regular body, it might be much more gruesome to gaze upon, as a trail of stuffing is left in her wake.

Laying flat on her stomach, remaining stitched limbs unresponsive to her.

Her eyes are filled with nothing but confusion as her head is rested, motionless, sideways, facing both her opponent; as well as her now missing stump of an arm. It is not graphic, not to anyone else but Shio herself, who is barely conscious enough to feel the ghost pain eminating from it, the light in her eyes fading fast.

...You are... so beautiful, so strong.
Ailene.

---

NOTES: ---

--- ---

[Ailene Haschiro]

As the reiatsu formed beautifully before her finger, Ailene was having doubts for a moment. This Mod Soul before her had shown great courage in facing her, an ascended Hollow. She seemed to possess an indomitable will. Yet as Ailene thought about it more, she realized that it was borne out of pride. Out of ignorance. She truly did not know what she was getting herself into. Ailene only possessed a fraction of her power in this form and yet Shio had not been able to harm her in any considerable way even after her flurry of strikes. Ailene faltered for a moment.  "Is this right? Do I unleash this Cero? What if this kills her...?" She sighed, truly not knowing the answer. She would see how this all played out. Perhaps she could just tune down the Cero...

Using her fine control of Cero, Ailene allowed much of reiatsu to disperse, drastically lowering the energy that became concentrated in this Cero. She then began to focus. Concentrating, manipulating the Cero further, Ailene would make sure that the beam that fired from her finger would be much smaller. Her goal was not to swallow the Mod Soul whole. Nor to harm her in any significant way. This would be a simple test. To gauge her reaction. To see just what she was capable of. After all, the Cero was a staple of Hollowkind. She would face much of it in her quest to truly ascend if that was even possible. Ailene was still unsure about this one's true nature.

Regardless, she would allow the Cero to leap forth. Its speed still formidable even despite its size and power. In hindsight, Ailene was not sure if she could even dodge it without the use of a Sonido. Shio did know Sonido...right? Or even the Hollows' Ulcera? Right? Regardless, Ailene watched with shock eyes as Shio did the unthinkable. She stood her ground. She was prepared to face the Cero head-on. The Espada remained there, frozen, watching with a calm outer disposition though she was truly worried for the Mod Soul. She bit her lip for a moment as she continued watching. The Cero closed in as the glow of purple suddenly rushed past Shio.

It took Ailene a moment to register what had happened. Shio was now airborne. Her body had become singed. A fist-sized hole now carved in her midriff. Her arm had been completely torn off by the Cero. Bits and pieces of her scarf and stuffing flew around her as some caught fire from the momentary heat of the Cero. Others had already finished flickering as the flames faded, leaving only charred remains. Shio meanwhile was flung backwards. Ailene realized immediately that this was uncontrolled. There was no grace. No glory. Only the broken body of the Mod Soul which battered against the ground, rolling to a sudden halt as a path of stuffing led to her.

Ailene, meanwhile, was in utter shock. She did not show it well, a rather stoic and neutral expression upon her face. Yet internally she was screaming. Her Cero had borderline maimed this doll. Sure, she was a doll at the end of the day, but Ailene had done this. Immediately an image flashed before her. The broken, bleeding body of Luca lay before her in the middle of the path in the park. Ailene blinked. The phantom looked up at her, miserable. In a fit of denial, Ailene looked away. She could not accept that things would end the same way. Luca was a child. An immature brat. Shio couldn't be the same, right? To be a Hollow, one had to accept a life of pain, misery and suffering. 

Sauntering forward, her mind racing with so many possibilities, Ailene growled softly. Moving over to the bench, Ailene grabbed the box that contained countless packets of tea. She would sling it around her shoulder as she moved towards Shio, closing the rest of the distance in the same slow manner. As she began to approach Shio, she leaned down, gently grabbing hold of Shio's severed arm. She would set it on the box, bits and pieces of stuffing laying upon the top of the box. As she looked down at Shio, Ailene saw a number of things. On one end, she saw weakness. A pitiful Hollow wannabe, unfit for a world built upon strength. At least in her current state. On the other hand, Ailene also saw a broken soul. One who had likely suffered a blow to her ego, crashing down upon her. Ailene was unsure which she truly was, but suddenly a familiar presence emerged.

Once again, there was nobody to her back except for a spiritual presence. The same talons wrapped around her waist, digging somewhat into her stomach, eliciting a groan from the Arrancar as she felt a phantom pain. A low, yet sultry voice reached her ears. "Mmm...Ailene. I knew you could do it. Now...do what you were meant to do. Devour her whole...feast upon her strength. Gorge yourself with her vitality...her pride. Sense her anguish upon realizing that she will become part of something greater. Power for something stronger. You know you desire it Ailene...do it. Now!" Ailene gently bit her lip as she looked down upon Shio's broken body.

Her eyes filled with sadness for a moment. She shook her head. "No...No! I refuse to believe that this is all I am. That this is all I can ever be. I may be an Arrancar. An Espada, but I am no monster. Not like you. Begone!" Suddenly Ailene felt an anger emerge. It filled her very soul. A bloodlust that she felt to her very core. Her breathing quickened in that moment as the voice spoke once more. "You still deny your true self! When will you understand? No matter how you present yourself. No matter how polite you are. The world will see you...no us, as a Hollow. A beast to be put down. The sooner you come to terms with that...the better off you will be." 

The Espada's eyes widened. Perhaps her other half was right? Perhaps the world would see her only as this. This in mind, she steeled herself and growled. "Then...I will at least try to change the view of the world." With that, Ailene felt the presence depart once more. The anger. The bloodlust still consumed her for a moment. So strong was it that no matter how much she tried, she could not force it to fade immediately. She simply bit her lip, her hand descending to her hip. Drawing her jade-white Zanpakutou, Ailene held the blade to Shio's chin, the edge tilted up. If she wanted to, she could end Shio right here and now. She was at her mercy. Ailene sighed and tilted her blade, the side of the blade touching Shio's chin now as Ailene tilted her head upward to look at her. Ailene would stare into her eyes. Was she still conscious? Ailene was not sure, but regardless she would kneel, sliding the cord off of her shoulder and placing the box behind Shio.

Using her blade, she'd try to slowly raise Shio from her side to an upright position, allowing her to slump against the box. If Shio offered little resistance, Ailene would sheath her Zanpakutou with no flare or finesse. Her stoic and then sad expression became a smile as she closed her eyes. She'd speak in a soft tone, allowing her aura to flow out with her words. As usual, it would feel warming. "Hey Shio...are you okay?" Ailene's eyes darted up to look at the arm that the Mod Soul had lost which was now gently resting atop the box. Ailene sighed. She was sure that there was no immediate physical danger to Shio. If this were blood, it'd be a different story. She'd then proceed to look back down at Shio, wanting to check up on her.

[Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou]

Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou

---

I can't see anything straight, even Ailene herself - just now, a blur. It is as though my world is spinning within perpetual motion... and I am the sole thing existing within its place. Unchanging, yes, that is me. Everything from the pain that I feel, to this feeling as though I am at deaths door, is simply what I have come to terms with. It has happened so many times before.. in truth, I've lost count.

How many times have I been reduced to this...?
It's an immeasurable number.
Even so.

I won't die, I cannot die. I am not just thinking as such to soothe myself in the embrace of death - either. Even if this body shuts down completely, it will only be temporary. I will find a new host body to takeover, the cycle will continue.

...This isn't so bad.

So then why do I feel this way? It is as though I've made some type of massive mistake... me, a mistake - there's no way. Yeah, even thinking back on it, I never wanted to avoid this in the first place. It was going to happen, and deep down, I knew that as a fact. The reason I'm in this state in the first place is because I underestimated her - I really did. I underestimate everyone, and things end up like this.

But in truth, I don't feel upset by it. I am not sad or angry, bitter or jealous. Frustrated that I have been bested, or by the same line, happy to have been put in this state. Whenever this happens... I feel nothing. It is a spoken fact, neutral by nature.

If 'death' in its abstract is proof of having lived, then I have lived many lives.

Each time has taught me something; if you don't commit yourself, you'll feel dissatisfied by the way it ends.
Life is neither precious, or worthless.

All that I am reminded of, in the end, is this. As long as I had a blast, busted some kneecaps, said and did everything I wanted to - meant every word of it; I've only ever once died with a regret, and now very soon, a second time.

I think I can finally understand what it is, Ailene.

Only now that you've placed your weapon to my throat does it dawn on me. I don't want to die. Not this time, and not like this. If I die, you will be gone, and that will be that. I may live on, but I will miss this chance right in front of me. Can you see it within my eyes, Ailene? I've never met a hollow like you before, I have nothing but respect for you.

I want to live.

Furthermore, I need to tell you that upfront. Unless I am able to do that, I won't die in this body satisfied. So I cannot die in this body, not yet. Not until I'm able to tell you just how amazing that Cero was.

Thankfully, it is impossible for me to bleed out in this body. However, I still feel pain; it's agonizing. What's preventing me from moving is not a loss of bodily function, but rather a loss of soul-to-body integration. Simply put, it is a mixture of shock from the phantom pain, and incompatibility. The fact that; this body is rejecting my soul pill.

It happens whenever I sustain lethal damage.

This body is, after all, a fake. As long as my soul pill, the small bead which sustains my hollow powers, remains intact - and without damage, I will live; but I'll be in need of a new host body.

I'll entrust it to you Ailene, take it.

As though passing away in finality, the light fades fully from Shio's flickering azure eyes. The doll is left motionless, lifeless. Once so animated, but now an empty husk of nothing. It is as though it were never 'alive' to begin with, in this moment, like any other damaged doll. Features returning to complete neutrality in the absence of pain.

There is a slight breeze in the air, then, stillness.

Moments do pass by, but not many, a small bead - about the size of a golf ball - rolls along out the side of her damaged torso. It is tiny, transparent, like a marble; an ethereal blue flame flickers within its crystal shell.

---

NOTES: ---

--- ---

[Ailene Haschiro]

The Espada tilted her head as she looked down at Shio. She had used her blade to allow the faux hollow to sit up. Showing genuine care for Shio, Ailene wanted to know if she was alright. She did not know how the anatomy of this doll would affect her. Was she a spirit without physical form who had possessed the doll? Like a ghost? In truth it sounded crazy to Ailene, but then again, her entire existence hinged on the idea that an afterlife existed. Who was to say that something so seemingly ludicrous couldn't be a possibility? At the end of the day, however, Ailene did not blindly follow her first train of thought. She was skeptical in all things, ever questioning, ever searching.  

Ailene looked into Shio's eyes. The light that they held was like a flame, slowly flickering out of existence. A painful expression crossed her face. Ailene sighed. She cursed herself for this. A Cero was clearly too much for her to handle even with the modifications that she had made. Shio's movements looked sluggish. While she did not know how Shio imposed herself upon this doll, she did know when someone was at death's door. Turns out that they did not differ for someone of flesh and blood and a doll possessed by a wayward soul. Ailene simply sat there. Waiting for Shio to pass. It would take hours to stitch a wound of this severity. It would prove futile to attempt. Ailene could only serve as a comfort.

A few moments passed and Ailene watched as the doll seemed different. The light in her eyes had faded. She had slumped even more. She lay there motionless, seemingly deprived of all life. Ailene sighed for a moment. This was her fault. The Arrancar believed in taking in a life. Sometimes it was necessary. But never without cause. Not without purpose. Shio's life had faded over something as trivial as pride. The Arrancar shook her head. She was about to collect the remains of the doll until she noticed something bizarre. As if materializing from nothing, a small orb emerged from the wound. It rolled through stuffing and out of the doll, landing solemnly on the ground.

Ailene blinked at this new development as she stared at the orb. It was a small crystal shell. The gentle flame began to flicker within it. The Espada blinked as she felt something ever so faint. A signature from the crystal. It still did not feel like a Hollow and Ailene began to piece it together. She was upset. Not at Shio, but with herself. The answer lies before her all along. "A crystal possessing a doll...what was that term again..." Ailene began to think. She mentally kicked herself over this. She knowledge from centuries of studying and yet she could not recall something simple like this. She had read about it before. Souls manufactured by Soul Society. 

After a few moments the answer popped into her head. "A Mod Soul! That's what she is!" The Espada blinked for a moment, looking at the crystal ball once more. She had never seen the core of a mod soul up close like this. Thinking about it...she had never really met a Mod Soul at all before. She just knew little bits and pieces about them. They were manufactured by Soul Society and eventually purged. They were hunted by Shinigami, ruthlessly executed and those that escaped were cast into hiding. As she thought about it, Ailene blinked once more. She reached down and ever so gently grabbed ahold of the Mod Soul pill before her. She spoke softly. "You're...just like me..."

The Espada sighed for a moment as she continued. "You're also on the run...made the enemy because of what you are. You understand my pain. Never to be accepted by others. Trying as much as possible for others to not wish to kill you on the spot..." Upon this realization, Ailene's entire view had changed. She was not sure whether Shio could hear her. Regardless of such, the Espada had potentially found a kindred spirit. Someone who understood what it meant to never be accepted by the Shinigami. Sure, Ailene had met her fair share of Shinigami who did not wish to kill her on the spot. Kimiko...Ludwig. But these were the exceptions not the rule. Most of Soul Society likely wanted her dead.

With a rather gentle touch, Ailene would do what she could to not harm Shio's pill. She held it gently in the palm of her hand, looking down at torn doll before her. Ailene sighed. She could not just leave Shio in this state. From what she understood of Mod Souls, they could inhabit Gigai or any inanimate object within reason. This doll proved to be a great example. Right now, it was effectively a corpse. Perhaps there was a way to help Shio though. Perhaps if the doll was fixed, she could continue to interact with the world. Ailene nodded to herself. She owed it to her. At least...that's what Ailene thought. She set the torn doll and arm onto her tea box, whipping the cord over her shoulder.

In the meantime, the Arrancar held onto the crystal pill in her hand protectively. She'd have to make sure that nothing happened to it. She'd begin to walk out of the park, still holding onto the pill. She began to think of where she could go. There was Treasure Trove. After all, she'd originally bought the doll there. Sure, the owner would likely be mad. After all, the doll that she had practically just purchased and that he had spent time to bring to pristine condition was now torn and maimed. Regardless, she'd try there first. After all, if he refused, Ailene had strength to easily coerce him into doing so. She hated to do it, but...she owed Shio. 

[Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou]

Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou

---

I cannot feel much of anything whilst within this form. It is both a blessing, and a curse. Blessing; because I am able to relax, it feels as though I am floating, much like the feeling of waking up within a comfy bed on a warm spring day. Rays of light beaming through the gap in ones curtains, resting upon ones still half-asleep body. Warmth, that is what it feels like. It is especially true when held within the hands of another. I am being held gently, I can tell.

It is a shame, because, I cannot hear the words being spoken to me. They are faint, an incomprehensible echo ringing through my ears. It is much like being spoken to in a language unfamiliar to you, the emotion can be felt; but the meaning is lost.

This form whilst ephemreal, grants me clarity and focus. I am able to focus upon the things I would ordinarily disregard; there is not much to do, besides think. Reflection is much like the kind of witnessing yourself upon still water, with distractions - disturbances - it is impossible to see a clear image. To me, right now, it feels more like daydreaming. All the pain from my previous body melting away gradually within this tranquil bath of spiritual energy.

It is intimidating, but calm - Ailene's presence. Perhaps it is because I am no longer able to 'see' whilst in this form, or the reason in that it feels soothing; her spiritual energy, whilst not too great, is still greater than mine, and many, many times more dense. By contrast to my anology from before, it feels to me like peering into the rising sun.

When I had left my corporeal form, dusk was setting in. And now, daybreak.
Phenomenon that is truly too great in scale, this one is.

On that note, if I had to guess Ailene's next course of action - assuming she felt the message I was trying to send her. Then, I assume she'd be visiting that shopkeeper next. The one that patched me up, accompanied by his menacing feline minion. If that's the case, then she had better hurry. If I recall correctly that store closes for business by nightfall in this season. It's easy for me to remember when I'm not in control of a physical body.

That old swindler better not try to scam her - Ailene, don't believe everything he says! Whilst he takes pride in his work, profit is always at the forefront of his mind. He already ripped her off once by selling me for twice the price my doll cost brand-new. That being said...

If I had to put a price on one as eminent and noble, and powerful as myself, then I'd charge double - no, triple!
Hehehe...
Even that might be too cheap, am I selling myself too short?!

I have no proper sense of finance anyway, but at the very least I can sense a snake when I see one. He would certainly be one of such people, there's something not quite right about that shop in the first place, but I can't quite say how.

...!?

In response to a danger which cannot be seen, Shio halts all of her thoughts for a split second. It is though a chill digs deep into the very essence of her soul, it is so fundamental, so prominent, that she questions just how it had even snuck up to her at all.

Within this incorporeal form, I can sense the reishi within the air around me. It is akin to blindsight, a kind of 'feeling' without actually witnessing. When I'm in contact with Ailene, I can even feel her reiatsu funnel through me to some degree. I am capable of feeling a fraction of what she can feel; it is not a stretch to say that I am capable of 'communicating' with her soul directly, albeit not conscious to Ailene. There's another presence here.

It's so stifling, so vicious - and full of hate. It's dangerous.
"...What are you?"

---

NOTES: ---

--- ---

[Ailene Haschiro]

The sun is beginning to set...I better hurry!" Ailene was already on her way back to Treasure Trove. After all, it seemed only reasonable to go there since the shopkeeper claimed to repair Shio once before. She was sure that the damage that the doll had sustained prior was not as severe as the state that Shio would find herself in now. Still though it was worth a shot. After all, this was Ailene's fault. She erred in her judgement. She failed to realize just how fragile Shio was. It was time for her to do her part. In a way, Shio had entrusted her safety to Ailene. She had not met many Mod Souls, but she certainly knew a thing or two about albeit common knowledge after decades of researching a myriad of topics.

The soul pill that Ailene held within her palm was like a heart. One tiny misstep and Shio could be lost. Sure, she could survive in the pill, but it did little in the form of protection. Holding the body of the torn doll and the remnants of the arm against her body, holding the mod soul pill tightly, but not as to harm it, Ailene utilized a Sonido. She would disappear in an instant. While weakened like this, the capabilities for Sonido were rather lackluster for an Espada. The enhanced movement would get her to the shop in no time, yet it was much slower when compared to her peers. Regardless, after another Sonido, she would at the shop in seconds.

As she arrived, she looked down, feeling the body of Shio still pressed against herself. The pill still resting in her hand, Ailene moved it to her satchel that remained strapped to her waist. From it, she'd pull a small box which she gently placed the pill into. Closing it and returning the container to her satchel, Ailene was sure that Shio's true essence would, for now, be safe. Approaching the door, she'd push it open with a tiny bit of urgency. The Espada heard a bell ring as she heard purring just up ahead. The owner's cat...peered at her like a predator does prey. It flicked its tail, eyes focused until it lowered its head, resting atop the counter.

After a few moments, Ailene heard a voice that first sounded cheerful as his eyes came upon Ailene. "Oh! Miss Haschiro. It's a pleasure to see you he-" His eyes then descended, coming upon the torn and battered remnants of the doll that Ailene had purchased prior. His disposition immediately changed. Eyes that shone with joy grew dark, a once cheerful voice became solemn, and his posture slouched. Ailene's careful eye could assess his reaction rather easily. He was shocked. Disappointed even. He blurted out words quickly and harshly. "What the hell happened?! You had her not for more than an hour and she is already ruined! All my hard work! Ruined!" Ailene peered at him. The once calm disposition faded in favor of vitriol. 

Even through it, Ailene spoke calmly. "I so apologize for the inconvenience. An accident occurred and I need her fixed up. Please..." For a moment, Ailene believed that she could see fumes emerging from the owners' forehead. If Ailene did not know any better, she would assume that the shopkeeper was prepared to assault her. Yet as moments passed, and seconds flew by the dozen, she could see that he was calming himself. His fist was no longer clenched, and he spoke. "Well..I suppose Karakura has its fair share of strange circumstances. Well. Bring her over. Let me see how extensive the damage is." There was still some spite in his voice, but this time he did a much better job of hiding it. Ailene walked over and set down Shio's doll form, neatly setting the severed arm beside the body.

Putting on some glasses, he pulled out a number of tools. A magnifying glass and a small pair of tongs stood out the most. Using the magnifying glass, he took a closer look at Shio's damage. Ailene's eyes darted up every now and then. She could see mixed emotions. Disgust and anger yet also fascination. "Well, the damage certainly is peculiar. Something akin to burns. The rip on the side is too clean. That suggests it was quick. Not damage you usually find on a doll. I can fix her, but well...this will take two to three hours. Four even if the damage extends inward. I imagine that you can understand that I do this for a living..." Ailene nodded. "I understand. How much?" He smirked for a moment and spoke. "Well given that the damage on her is even worse than when I originally fixed her...how about a nice round figure like 20000 Yen." Ailene's eyes narrowed. She saw it rather easily. That predatory look. She sighed, exerting her reiatsu outward. The conditions would quickly change. The man gasped for a moment, nearly struggling to stand. It was as if the pressure had changed. As though several dozen gallons of water pushed down upon him. Ailene pulled out a note for 5000 Yen as she did not let up the pressure yet.

"Listen. I understand that this is going to take some time out of your day. That being said, I don't take kindly to being swindled. I will offer you 5000 Yen for the repairs." Her reiatsu felt cold for a moment. Just like with Shio prior, the man felt his body temperature drop. Ailene's eyes flashed with a red glare as he spoke. "O..Okay! F..fine! 5..5.500 it is! Just p..please. Stop this!" Ailene nodded her head, allowing the reiatsu to disperse as the man no longer had trouble standing. He breathed heavily and Ailene smiled for a moment. Pushing the 5000 Yen note across the counter, she spoke. "Now then. You have quite some work ahead of you. I'd recommend giving the same love and care as you normally do with this process. If I am dissatisfied, then...well. I don't think I need to explain. I will stay here in the shop and wait. I'm patient." 

The man simply nodded her head weakly and picked up the remnants of the doll. He'd quickly descend into a backroom where he would work on Shio. It was his best workstation. Plenty of high-end supplies and devices rested on countertops. They would all be used to stitch Shio up and even ake further enhancements to the quality of the doll. As he was beginning, Ailene would lean against the front counter, beginning her wait. She had no qualms with needing to wait. She simply wanted to make it clear that she was not playing around with the shopkeeper. Given his reaction, Ailene felt that she did a good enough job. 

As this was going on, Shio would be facing a bit of trouble. Ailene had no knowledge of Shio being linked to her very soul, but there was another presence that could tell. As Shio spoke, it would simply prowl around. While its form stood at 6'2", its spirit seemed quiet. It was like a hunter, eyeing its prey from the shadows. "...What are you?" As Shio asked the question, the entity simply growled and then chuckled. It was a mix of many sounds. Vicious and hungry yet also sultry and calm in a chilling way. It continued to peer at Shio's form. After all, Shio seemed to be inhabiting its space. It's domain. It would have to test the waters first.

"I am that which you should fear. I am Ailene's shadow. A creature that parents tell their children about at night." Its dark silhouette became illuminated somewhat, revealing what appeared like claws wrapped around her shoulder. A purple fur surrounded her back and two slit purple orbits opened. It spoke once more, the same calm tone accompanied by a sudden feeling of freezing. "These is my territory. I inhabit this soul. So, humor me...what is a little lamb like you doing here. Give me a reason that I should not just devour your essence right here and now." She would not release any pressure. No point in scaring off her prey yet. In truth, she was not sure if Shio was safe from her, but she was far more of a Hollow than Ailene. She was willing to try. 

[Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou]

Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou

---

In essence, she was frozen in place. For as proud, brave, or even delusional as Shio was - there was a clear distinction between the presence of someone, or something, that genuinely wants to kill you; versus one that meant not to. It was also one that the self-proclaimed hollow had learned to distinguish well, and given the disposition of the one now encroaching on her, she was most certain that this would not end as it did with Ailene. If she was not careful.

There was an extra layer to this, too. As even Shio is properly aware of the risks of having this 'creature' here, within her soul pill, a place where she is most vulnerable and a potent stark contrast to how she'd respond, if she were in her gigai.

In her best attempt to seem neutral, to make herself seem bigger; or perhaps stronger. Much like one might when under the gaze of a predator who is all more than willing to strike at the first sign of weakness, she keeps a most neutral expression, whilst remaining tense - not too much so.

"I can think of one reason - you can't."
Her lip was stiff, it was a bluff.

Truth be told, she didn't seem to be all too sure herself. This was the very first time an event like this had happened, out of all the times she had used her ability. At the very least, she could tell that this creature was wrong about one thing. This was not its own territory. It had not seemed to notice yet, and Shio was unsure if this was bad or good. Souls under the effect of her ability are dynamic, and usually the one who has a greater density to their soul controls the domain. Shio herself always attempts to find a positive medium in balance, but it had failed this time.

In other words, it was not that Shio had trespassed. On the contrary, the reiatsu density of this one was so thick that it had almost completely enveloped her own. This was definitely her own soul, but it was mired in so much foreign reiatsu that she had lost control. There was no quite telling how this could play out.

...What should I do?

As I thought, it hasn't seemed to notice the difference in power balance yet. It must be difficult for it to tell whilst its inside here - the core essence of my soul. Otherwise, given its bloodlust, I'm certain it would have attacked already. I'm an anomaly to it, so I should probably try and keep things that way.

"You mentioned you are her shadow - Ailene's shadow. So that means you must be a partition of her soul. More importantly, it means you must be somewhat aware of the events that transpire outside of your own domain, even when you aren't in control."

It's claws are so sharp, steeped in malice. Practically, I can feel this thing breathing down my neck. In close proximity of one anothers souls like this, I can even feel the emotion placed behind it, even more intimately than any spoken word. Like it's breathing malevolence down my nape.

Even still, I can't move; I need to keep up this facade of confidence. In truth, I might be terrified.

"I'll correct you about one thing. This isn't your territory, it's my own. I let you in here. If you think that things will work the same way as they did out there, than in here, then you are mistaken."
Another bluff, but perhaps it will give me time.

Ailene should have arrived at the store by now; if things are going well, she might have finished negotiations with the shopkeeper. If I just keep things under control here, I might be able to-... no. I don't have that long, I need to think of a way to send some kind of signal. That might alert her to the danger I am in.

Yeah, I admit it, if this thing is an extension of Ailene - at least; it poses a real threat to me.
I can't seem to conjure a way out of this situation, though.
Just think, Shio, you have to think!

---

NOTES: ---

--- ---

[Ailene Haschiro]

As Shio spoke, the eerie, purple-tinted eyes of the beast before her would stare her down. She was going to be careful. After all, despite her presence as a Hollow, she was still a hunter. Ailene's existence as a Hollow showed her that it was on filled with many obstacles. This is why she had trained her eyes so well. To gaze beyond the veil. To truly learn the intentions of others by taking in any information they gave her. A competent hunter bided their time. Assessed their prey. The creature before Shio had threatened her. Established the status quo of their relationship and yet Shio's response surpised the creature. "I can think of one reason - you can't."

She continued to stare, narrowing her eyes. She could not get a read on Shio though this could easily change. Much like Ailene, she was no expert at sensing reiatsu but she was certainly more average at it than Ailene. Focusing her reiatsu, the shadow allowed it to settle after a moment. She would release no reiatsu, but would instead focus intently on Shio. Shio's reiatsu would glow not unlike a flame, flickering solemnly. This was the Pesquis. With focus, she could gleam into the reiatsu her opponent possessed. The that flickered within Shio was...unimpressive. She was sure that she could easily snuff out this Mod Soul before her. Her claw could easily come around the flame and exstinguish it. And yet...she didn't.

She could not explain it, but she was worried. The atmosphere. It felt...off. The Pesquis enhanced her sensory ability in that moment and the atmosphere felt foreign. She would not speak. Much like Ailene, she could keep her cool easily in stressful situations. Instead, she'd calmly listen to Shio. "You mentioned you are her shadow - Ailene's shadow. So that means you must be a partition of her soul. More importantly, it means you must be somewhat aware of the events that transpire outside of your own domain, even when you aren't in control." The shadow slid her reptilian tongue along her lips as she peered at Shio. She spoke in a soft tone as a predatory grin touched her lips. "Clever..."

It was a good assumption. It was true. She did have a semblance of understanding of what happened. It was bits and pieces. Like flashes of memory that would grow dark between gasps. Her talons slid up her body as she brought one pointed dagger to her chin, eyeing Shio hungrily. This one was proving to be far more of a nuisance. Her reiatsu was weak! Yet she spoke as if she was in control of the situation. The shadow was about to take a step. Lash out at Shio and be done with her. Before she could, Shio spoke once more. "I'll correct you about one thing. This isn't your territory, it's my own. I let you in here. If you think that things will work the same way as they did out there, than in here, then you are mistaken."

In that brief moment where her killing intent had flared, the reiatsu her growing cold...she stopped in her track. She could not believe that Shio said. Then again...that'd explain the foreign reiatsu she felt. Suddenly she felt less sure. Shio's comment spoke of significant consequences if the shadow did not read the situation correctly. With careful movements, the draconian entity approached Shio. Her claws rang along the ground, purple lines being drawn. As she approached closer and close, her reiatsu would die down. It no longer possessed a killing intent. Instead, it would fade to nothing. She was curious. Was Shio like her and Ailene?

Could the Mod Soul call upon an even stronger power? If so, this could prove far more precarious than she initially thought. In this setting after all, the shadow was at full power. She was no restricted by Ailene's sentimentality or her body. Here she could roam free. Though...it sounded as if Shio could do the same thing. She now stood at a crossroads. Was Shio too powerful to be taken on now? Or was the Mod Soul weak? She either had to be one or the other. Both were undesirable. She was a Hollow. She needed to grow stronger. Devouring the weak would do nothing for her. She needed strong prey. Despite that, she valued her own existence. She could not perish here. Through sharp teeth, she spoke. "It seems that I've underestimated you...you could be even stronger than me..." The shadow walked along Shio's perimiter, dragging her claws tenderly along the Mod Soul's body. "Or you could be lying! And you are indeed weak..." The predator looked for any sign of weakness. Any sign that the Mod Soul was not what they claimed to be. If Shio did not show anything, she'd grin. "Mmmm..you are lucky. I'm sure we will meet again. If you truly are weak...grow stronger. I'd love to devour a powerful morsel like yourself one day..." The claw rose up against Shio's chin before slowly drifting away. The shadow would then walk away into the void of her own reiatsu beyond Shio's mod soul pill, disappearing into the darkness. 

-- Several Hours Later --

Darkness began to envelop Karakura. The streets were effectively empty barring the occasional passersby. Ailene stood against the counter, a book cracked open before her. It was a story she had read many times but was enchanted with regardless. The Fellowship of the Ring by acclaimed fantasy author, Tolkien. As she read through the book, she laughed to herself. The book spoke of an epic tale. The traditional heroes' quest. To Ailene it was certainly inspiring. Bilbo Baggins, effectively a nobody from the Shire, given a quest that is considerably bigger than him. It was a tall tale and one that Ailene read happily. The Arrancar was unaware of the meeting between Shio and her other half. She did not even know that the Mod Soul had previously merged with her reiatsu. Before she had a chance to continue to read, Ailene heard a door open. Outward stepped the owner of the shop with Shio's doll body in his arm. He was nearly sweating bullets as he set her down, patiently waiting for Ailene to approve of his work.

Ailene set down her book and began to inspect the doll. It was in absolutely pristine condition. Ailene was impressed really. She was good as new, all marks of previous battle damage repaired as if it never happened. Ailene was certainly ecstatic as her eyes darted up at the shop owner. He froze for a moment. It was though he was waiting to see if Ailene had judged him worthy of living. Of course Ailene had no intention of harming him. Her previous threat to his life was merely a ploy to get what she wanted. Given the gravity of the situation, she felt it was warranted. Regardless, she smiled. "Thank you for your help. I apologize for the harsh words earlier. You truly are an artist of the craft." With that, Ailene set down another note written out for an additional 4000 Yen.

With a polite curtsey, she'd grab the doll and set her on the tea box as Ailene whipped the cord over shoulder again. "I do hope to visit again. I'd love to see some more of your work." The shopkeeper did not speak. He was almost frozen by the previous ordeal. Ailene simply took her leave, exciting the shop. As she did, she was met by darkness. Night had set and the occasional streetlamp illuminated the nearby surroundings. In some ways it was soothing. Walking down the steps, she took a seat on the bottom one and set her tea box down next to her. Opening her satchel, she retrieved the box that held the fragile Soul Pill. 

The Arrancar tilted her head for a moment. She had briefly read about how Mod Soul's incorporated themselves into Gigai. The pill would have to reside within the gigai in question. Carefully taking hold of the Soul Pill, Ailene opened the mouth of the lifeless doll and slowly slid the crystal into it. The crystal almost seemed to shrink in response to the opening, sliding quite easily into the doll with a little bit of effort. Meanwhile Ailene waited patiently as she set Shio back onto the tea box. She would wait however long she needed to. After all the damage had been restored. The doll would no longer reject Shio's pill right? The Arrancar was curious to see what would happen, ever the inquisitive individual.

[Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou]

Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou

---

As the monster crept around me, its gaze upon my form, I could tell already that my bluff had been somewhat effective. If it were not, then I was certain that it would have attacked by now. Scary! What a frightening thought-! At least that is how I should be reacting to such images playing within my own head, but, to be honest - if I were to torture myself on such thoughts of weakness, then it would surely show in my posture. And yes, right now was a critical moment, I had already sensed the cold chill of impending finality prior; no matter what, the most crucial moment in a bluff was not just the words you chose, but also maintaining your composure.

Naturally, I knew this already. I liked to think I put such experience on display, the violet-glowing eyes of the creature who was stalking around me seemed to be filled with hesitation. Such a reaction was exactly what I was hoping for! Even though this just as easily could have gone either way, the deception that I made would only work on an individual who was particulary cautious. Of course, she had every reason to be; powerful hollow that I am truly! Aha-ahahaha~!

"It seems that I've underestimated you...you could be even stronger than me..." Yes! If only I wasn't frozen stiff right now from this spiritual pressure I could leap for joy~! Ah, I probably shouldn't lower my guard just yet though; to be honest, it's taking all of my own willpower just to put on this tough-person act - how exhausting! Of course this was the expected outcome though, as expected of someone of my calibre. Yes, I'm amazing! Hold your applause please and thank you - wait, hold on a second. It's approaching, why is it approaching me? I can feel its claws running along my body~!

"Or you could be lying! And you are indeed weak..."
Eeek! Ailene, SAVE ME!!!

As the creature lashes out verbally, almost physically at Shio, she feels her 'heart' beat several times faster. Whilst it takes all of her strength of will to not elicit any kind of reaction, being observed only just from a distance of a few feet away - perhaps even closer, it is impossible for her to move. All that in which she is actually capable of doing, is preventing her battle-ready demeanour from crumbling under a pressure much greater than her own. 'Exhausting' was a term she thought to herself, not actually giving enough credit. To put it blatantly, she could not keep up this facade for maybe a minute longer. Then, at last, clemency arrives just in time.

"Mmmm..you are lucky. I'm sure we will meet again. If you truly are weak...grow stronger. I'd love to devour a powerful morsel like yourself one day..."

Ah-! Is it leaving...? It's actually leaving!

Watching the formed creature slink back to where it had entered, Shio maintains her battle-readiness until the very last. Her posture does not change, where once she existed floating at the beginning of all of this, now seeming to stand upon a platform of condensed reiatsu; claw marks torn through its structure. Each tear in the platforms fabric accompanied by fractures, like fragmented glass. On this damaged platform, Shio existed, arms folded with azure gaze keenly observing the retreat of the monster she had met - far out of her own depth. With it, much of the reiatsu that had meshed with her own soul returning with it - receding.

Swirling, retreating through the gap torn open in the dome of her soul. It was much like murk being funneled through an open drain, and within moments, the presence was gone entirely.

In the very instant that it is gone, the open passage is mended without hesitation; all Shio had to do was will such a thing to happen, and it happened with all the speed similar to slamming a door in anothers face, and swiftly locking the hatch. Shio, who had done so with the last of her energy, promptly allows herself to unfold her arms and fall flat upon her back. Her face was unanimated, so little energy did she have left - that she dared not move a spiritual muscle.

I took a deep breath in, reminiscing on the events that had transpired.
"Exhausting. Way, too, damn, exhausting."

In the end, it would seem as though I managed to wriggle my way out of this one on my own. Yay - banzai, a victory for me. It shouldn't be able to get in here now, not so long as I am not accepting any more unwanted guests. In hindsight, I was left to ponder on how exactly such a malevolent presence had managed to reach me to begin with. Knowing all that I do now, after the encounter, its easy to surmise that when I had left myself open to Ailene's reiatsu - when I had let my guard down to such a caring embrace - it had managed to sneak its way in. It didn't seem conscious of having done so, though. So perhaps, given the depth of its reiatsu, it simply 'walked in' so to speak.

Yeah, I really messed up, it would appear I left the faucet on a pressure too high. I did so in an attempt to feel and hear Ailene a little better, but how could I have known. In the end, I'll just have to make sure I'm more careful in the future. And I-...

"-Hm, what's this in my hand?"
It appeared to be a translucent, glowing ribbon. Only much less elegant, it looked much like a scrap of cloth. Luminescent with a faint purple hue, it rested within my hand both soft and ethereal.

Within moments, many more made themselves apparent; they danced like confetti, fluttering within the sphere of her soul. Manifesting themselves one at a time, until they fell upon her like a torrential blizzard.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nightfall, it was during this time that the streets of Karakura were truly silent. Not a sound, and only the faintest light of the moon. Lights dot the street at a glaring intensity between carefully distanced intervals. There was no such bright light where Ailene had chosen to sit with the soul-absent body of Shio, only the glimmer of the moon; which cast a delicate shadow from the railing onto them both. It remained a beautiful, moonlit evening.

It was exactly these kinds of evenings, where Shio felt most at home; it was her favourite time of the day.

Distractions became absent in the omission of other people. It left great room for introspection, to truly reflect upon her day from a standstill - noncombative type of view. Very similar to how she felt when she did not possess a body, it was nice to simply be left to ones own thoughts. In those thoughts, one could notice something crucial in which they had forgotten. Immerse themselves in a feeling they had thought once lost; or even bring back the dead, in their own memories - of course.

It was within such a setting that Ailene had chosen to bestow Shio with the gift of life again. To be incased within ones own soul pill was akin to death; everything is ephemereal, impermanent. One may be able to reflect upon their memories, yet if you were to reach out, they shatter like glass. You are left distant, always.

Memories are a fragile thing, yet some harbor the most powerful of emotions.

In the moments proceeding, everything exists in a standstill; the pill is placed inside the plush body of Shio, but nothing, excluding for the soft chill of the night air, is accompanied by it. For many seconds on a clock pass by, and this remains the fundamental truth - nothing at all happens to the doll.

It begins with a soft rumbling, nothing more than a slight reishi disturbance in the air.

This would be the first noticeable change that Ailene might observe. The air would begin to change around the doll, it was a gradual transformation. Not something to happen immediately. Just as one might begin to become curious of the change, to draw ones face closer and examine, it is accompanied by a violent tremor. In that singular quake one word would immediately become clear in anyones mind; dangerous. An instinct true within any animal or living creature, the feeling that anyone might get just only moments before a natural disaster.

Bursting forth, a fierce wellspring of life erupts from the plushie.

It is violent, like a river bursting its banks in the wake of a flood. This veritable fountain of reiatsu enshrouds the doll several breadth further than its own body, and explodes skyward.

Nothing within the aura of this pressure appears to be damaged, yet everything around it seems to tremble. Cracks begin to form on the surface of the concrete stairwell, a part of the railing even further from that snaps in twain as though it weren't made of metal, that it were no more than a loose tree-branch. Electrical cables abovehead snap like string and flail wildly as they spark, threatening to lash out. Amongst all of this chaos, the doll stands.

It should become very clear to Ailene, at this point, that something was not quite right with any of this.

Animated, but vacant. Her expression is the same as that of someone who might be sleepwalking. In a tone cold and unfamiliar to Ailene, she utters words she would recognize within an instant...

Without really thinking, or knowing.
Her small, half-conscious body trembling...

"Spread and Contaminate..."

"Ausbruch."

There is a lethal silence within the air, the fatal rumbling of her own spiritual pressure rising. Mortal tension hangs upon them both in the absence of anything else, those words lingering upon the area like a heavy curse.

The doll appears, for the first time showing expression, shocked. Her eyes appear to portray a sense that she is not entirely present, yet there is a deep sense of mourning emanating from her reiatsu. It is as deep and heavy as her eyes, which appear to be on the verge of tears. Yet unable to weep as others do.

It is that very same lament that eventually recalls the fire in her azure eyes.

Enshrouded within an ever-flowing pool of reiatsu, it begins to boil over; ever growing with intensity. The light of consciousness within her eyes that seems to return slowly, then with it, immediate confusion. Still sobbing, but not knowing why, her glowing gaze turns to settle upon Ailene, wherever she might be.

---

NOTES: ---

--- ---

[Ailene Haschiro]

As Ailene watched the seemingly lifeless form of Shio, she was surprised to note that nothing was really happening. A second passed. Then two. Then five. Finally, ten seconds passed and there was still nothing. Did she do something wrong? Was there some process in incorporating a Mod Soul into a gigai that she was missing? The Arrancar pondered for a moment though she would not have very long. For just as quickly as she had receded into her thoughts...so had she been dragged back as the air around seemingly changed. It felt thicker. Colder. Then the light tremors. Ailene felt them rush through her body, echoes of energy radiated through her. 

In response to this, Ailene suddenly tensed up. It just came out of nowhere. Not only that...the pressure radiating from Shio's doll body was rather powerful. Just what had happened to invoke this? Not only was the energy radiating through Ailene, but it seemed like the area around them as well. The reiatsu from Shio was racing in every possible direction. Ailene's facial features sharpened as lights flickered around them...the stairwell she sat on suddenly cracked and metal railing threaten to tear itself into two. Almost immediately, the Arrancar could tell that this could become dangerous if left unchecked. This was one of her favorite venues. She wouldn't want to put down Shio a second time, but...she owed Kage much over her years of patronage. For now, she would need to gauge just what Shio was preparing to do...was she even in control of her own actions? 

Suddenly the doll began to stand. Ailene's eyes immediately took note of this and deduced that she was successful in her endeavors and yet...something was wrong. Shio had shown herself to be much weaker than Ailene. Yer this pressure she was displaying matched Ailene? Nay. It seemed to exceed even her. Then it came. Shio spoke in a way that did not seem to fit the Mod Soul at all! It was dispassionate. Cold. Ailene practiced a peace of mind that few could rival and yet even she gasped for a moment as she heard the words. "Spread and Contaminate...." There was a small pause and Ailene did not need to hear more. She knew those words so well. As Shio spoke the name of her Zanpakutou, Ailene would disappear in a flash.

A sudden sound of static erupted outward from Ailene as she utilized a Sonido to the edge of the sidewalk that lay directly across from Shio. In a swift motion she had drawn her Zanpakutou. She held it before her as she knelt. Her eyes were trained on Shio's form. Would she need to strike? Ailene knew her Resurrección well. A release that manifested the plague and threatened to infect everything. It was truly vile. Ailene was half expecting the haze of bacteria to erupt outward from the Mod Soul and yet...nothing happened. The pressure still remained strong, cracking the area around them, but no other change had arisen in the Mod Soul. 

Ailene narrowed her eyes as she took note of something in the silence. The Mod Soul seemed to be lamenting. Unable to shed tears, she merely looked saddened, but for what reason? Ailene was unable to divine it. Then something changed once more. A fire ignited once more. Ailene could feel it albeit briefly. The Arrancar kept her kneeling stance but lowered her blade as the Mod Soul seemingly looked for her. Ailene blinked for a moment. There was something that was still on her mind. Her Resurrección phrase. How did Shio know it...? Could Shio simply divine these things? No...it seemed too unnatural. To know something so intertwined with Ailene's soul. 

Regardless of the reasoning, Ailene would be interested to find out and more so, she was glad to see that Shio was okay. Or at least she seemed so on the outside. The Arrancar rose to her feet and sheathed her Zanpakutou as she began to approach the rejuvenated Mod Soul. The atmosphere still lingered with Shio's reiatsu giving Ailene a better glimpse at it now that she was not on edge. As she determined before, it felt much stronger than how she was while sealed. Was it as strong as hers in Resurrección? That was yet to be seen. Kneeling at the steps, Ailene looked into the azure eyes of the doll and smiled. Her voice would be rather gentle. "I am...relieved to see that you are okay." 

Ailene's smile persisted as she blinked for a moment. This had been quite the adventure. She had gotten some new tea flavors for a shop, found some new shops to check out and she had run into a Mod Soul! As nighttime fell upon the World of the Living, Ailene felt that her own time here today was coming to a close. She rose once more and gently grabbed her tea set. Slinging the cord over her shoulder, Ailene looked to the side and motioned with one finger in front of her. The space began to compress as it caved in to form something akin to a mouth. The Espada watched as it erupted open, looking at Shio. Her voice would be soft once more.

"Well now. I think it's best to return to Las Noches. After all, I'm sure that Soul Society or worse yet, the Vandenreich has taken note of my spiritual signature. You are, of course, welcome to come with me if you so desire Shio. You've certainly grown on me, and I'd love to hear of your origins and truly get to know you." Ailene would give Shio a moment to think on it. After all, while Ailene had helped in her restoration...she was also the primary cause of Shio's damage. She would not fault nor force the Mod Soul if she wished to stay in the World of the Living and yet Ailene would be remiss if she did not offer her the chance to come with her.

After a few moments and hopefully after getting a positive response from Shio, Ailene would allow the Mod Soul to enter with her. Stepping into the Garganta, Ailene immediately created stable footing as a path of reishi formed under her feet about a dozen feet wide and extending forward into the dark abyss even further. As she took her first step, Ailene's Garganta would automatically shut behind them, looking them in a dark abyss. With that, Ailene would continue onward, hopefully with Shio in tow. It would not take long for them to reach the opposite end, even at a leisurely pace. Perhaps five minutes, ten tops. 

As she approached the end, Ailene would see a large white opening form and as she walked through, she would find herself in the large hall that was her private Espada quarters. Whoever came out last, the Garganta would shut after a few seconds as Ailene sighed. She walked to a nearby table and began to unpack what she had purchased from the World of the Living. Meanwhile if Shio came along, she'd be met by countless shelves. Bookshelves that rose dozens of meters in the air, shelves that housed artifacts or trinkets that Ailene had collected over the years and to the other side rested archways that led outside to a balcony, revealing the faux sky and sun created by Lord Kouhai. It would not be difficult to deduce that these were Ailene's private quarters and that she had to hold some level of respect to earn such a living space. Of course, Ailene had never revealed herself as an Espada to Shio, but it would not be the most difficult to tell after seeing this if she tagged along. 

[Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou]

Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou

---

When I awoke to consciousness, the first thing I felt was my own reiatsu. It was as though I were still floating, trapped within the expanse of my soul pill. Only when I took a moment to look around did it register upon me, this geyser of what felt like water, flowing upward, held my real body. Yes, that is what it felt like. Neither dense or at all hostile to myself, just like running my hand through running water as I reached out my arm. It was not heavy, there was simply a massive quantity of it. That was how it felt to my own senses.

Yet it seemed to be tearing the structure of everything around apart. Furthermore, my senses - as it just now dawned on me that I was in fact, awake, I felt a thrumming pain shoot through my head. It were as though someone had pointed a flashlight in my eye moments after waking from deep sleep, or chimed a whistle through my ear only a few feet away; it was blinding, deafening. The sensation that, for a distance much further than even my eyes could see, I could reach out and almost 'touch' objects outside of my immediate surroundings.

I could discern them so intimately, that it was though I was standing right next to everything within - perhaps half a mile, all at once. It was simply an overload to my own senses, particulary my head, as I winced at the worst headache I had ever had the displeasure of waking up to, I could see Ailene approaching.

"I am...relieved to see that you are okay."

Those words of hers, whilst comforting, rang through my head like alarm bells trapped within an echo chamber. However, I did notice moments later that, as I seemed to focus upon those words in particular, the discomfort in my head seemed to subside to a degree. It helped to focus on Ailene, so I did just that.

Ailene collected all of her belongings, and all I could do was simply watch in silence. All of my energy spent upon using her reiatsu signature as a focal point for my sensory abilities. It took all of my concentration away. So, before I knew it, what appeared to be some type of gateway appeared before my eyes. It was hard to see through the dense fog-like reiatsu that seemed to endlessly flow from my own body, but I was capable of sensing it instead - it was a gateway to Hueco Mundo. That much I could somehow now perceive, even if I closed my eyes shut.

"Well now. I think it's best to return to Las Noches. After all, I'm sure that Soul Society or worse yet, the Vandenreich has taken note of my spiritual signature. You are, of course, welcome to come with me if you so desire Shio. You've certainly grown on me, and I'd love to hear of your origins and truly get to know you."

Yeah, I would love that. Even if I were to stay here, I for some reason couldn't control my own reiatsu as well right now - I can't even stop it from pouring out of me! Last thing I need right now is to be harassed by some of those goons from Soul Society. They've definitely taken notice of this. So by contrast, it would be much better to return to a place where I could recuperate from my... 'condition'. Also, what's a... 'Vandenreich', it sounds germa-

Shio took a step forward, and it shattered the concrete under her foot.

AH-! What the hell, I'm a vandal! I've commited a crime-! Wouldn't be the first time... Oh well, it feels kind of cathartic, actually. And, since I can't really control myself right now anyways... I suppose it can't be helped~

Without much more consideration for the unfortunate souls who might need to clean up this mess, Shio walks full of glee several more paces toward the Garganta; paying no heed whatsoever to the destruction left in her wake. The stairs seem to crumble into rubble, streelights collapse and the walls which seperate the streets from the buildings are torn apart. To Ailene, who would be witnessing the whole spectacle, she would know that Shio seems to be taking a fair bit of joy from each destructive step she makes.

Albeit, Ailene would also notice that she cannot seem to control herself in any case. It appeared as though Shio were flexing her own spiritual pressure, that much was obvious, but the scale was simply enormous. It was greater than even her own, unreleased state. By an order of several magnitudes, especially since it was left largely uncontrolled; all of the reiatsu that was pushed out of her was being done unconsciously, to catastrophic consequences.

Shio folds her arms above her head and stretches as the duo enters the Garganta. It closes behind them, and as it does so, the street is left quiet once again, still and motionless - yet absolutely devestated. As soon as Shio steps foot upon the platform made from Ailene's reishi, it cracks.

"Ahh-!"
It elicits a response of panic from the mod soul, stepping around more and creating even more fractures in the surface of the platform. Once she notices that it is in fact herself who is causing it to crumble, she stops moving.

Ahh, so that's how it is. I don't want to put any extra tax on Ailene, so I suppose I'd better watch my step - my apologies in advance! Okay, easy does it now Shio... one, two... three!

Taking yet another, lighter step forward, the platform only crumbles a little. Much better than her previous attempt, Shio seems to puff her chest out a little, she seems very proud of her accomplishment, as minor as it might seem to Ailene; who would no doubt be watching with some anxiety about the whole situation.

The two would pass through the Garganta without any further incident, although there would doubtless be much tension in the air between the two - mostly perhaps from Ailene, as Shio seems somewhat oblivious. Each step from her causes a minor clamor, but eventually, in the span of the ten or so minutes it takes them to cautiously pass through, she appears to get much the hang of it. To this same effect, the spiritual pressure emanating from her also appears to diminish. It is though she has learned to control its output to some degree, or maybe she was simply running out of reiatsu to flex; perhaps a combination of both.

In either case, they pass through the Garganta uninterrupted, as Shio will likewise hop through the gate in pace with Ailene. Greeted by the sight of towering shelves and priceless artifacts, the small doll cant help but wince a little; not out of disdain, but worry.

I'd really better not approach any of these shelves right now...

Looking around, this area really is quite spacious. Does Ailene take up residence here? I was certain this was meant to be a portal to Hueco Mundo, yet the sky is as bright as day. I've never seen anything like it to be honest, there's something about it that rings familiar in my memory though. I can't quite put my finger on it, but there is a balcony; perhaps I should go take a closer look... for inspection.

Hopping over, each of her steps light and delicate - landing upon the ground with a pomf, the doll approaches the balcony and hops up onto the railing with ease. It seems natural to herself, Shio doesn't even think about it, but Ailene might notice just how much more dexterous the doll had become.

"This is Las Noches... right? I've never seen the inside of the dome before, but there's no doubt that we are in Hueco Mundo right now. This reishi is quite unmistakable to me, yeah, I could never mistake it for something else."

It appears as though the doll is quite entranced by the view, her faux fox tail whipping back and forth casually; legs crossed and sat upon the rail of the balcony, her azure globes appear to not just sense that which she can see visually, but even further beyond. In a sense, her gaze appears to be distant.

---

NOTES: ---

--- ---