Meeting of Men of Similar Eyes

[Greer Tayler]

Pain. That was all that called out to him. Pain. It was etched into his very soul. Pain. Screams in the night sky haunt him. Pain. It was all he knew.

"Wait, what are you doing?" The pain of having a knife forced through his gut. The searing sting of the serrated blade gliding his back again and again. The sadistic grin on the bastard's face as his crude blade traced down the male's arm, and with a harsh swing slicing off the hand. The cruel agony that rushed through the poor man's mind, even as at last his throat was slit, and he was left like some sort of animal to die. Yes, it was the pain he knew, the pain that was etched in his mind from that cruel night that was anything but calm.
/So this is how I'm going out hunh? Khhh, so unbecoming of an actress./ His last thoughts rang in his mind as slowly he bled out to death through the clotting wounds that none alone would have been deep enough to kill had his hand not been sliced off. Slowly the yellow-green eyes would lose their light, and vanish from that world.

Nights would pass as his lifeless form was eventually moved, leaving behind an unconscious soul with a severed soul chain. Through sun and rain that soul would rest there, unmoving, not waking even for a mere moment. He would remain there and probably would have been devoured had a shinigami not come. This shinigami would perform the konso on him, allowing his unconscious form to transcend from the world where humans dwelled and finally move on to the next life. The life where souls reigned, life in the soul society.

There as his form appeared in the soul society led by a black swallow-tailed butterfly, he would appear, leaning against the trunk of a tree in a lone wood just within the area west of seireitei known as district 8 of rukongai. As he rested there, scars would play across his skin where he had once been slashed, even his left hand had returned, appearing almost as if it had been sewn on again. As he rested there, the sun would slip in through the lush canopy leaves casting a sort of glow upon the male's pale skin, and the locks of crimson hair that drooped over his face in a wild fashion.

[Deleted]

Michaelis walked through the district as he did most of the time, smiling to himself and humming random songs just as he always did. It was a nice day. Too nice. It seemed peaceful and calm and serene. But Michaelis didn't like that. He wanted to play with someone... He wanted someone to tell him a joke. He hasn't laughed in ages, it seems. However, no one was around. Not one person would even consider talking to him, because they all knew him to be a bit odd. But Michaelis wasn't bothered by this at all. He was dubbed the "Mad Hatter." It suited him. He enjoyed being called by that title, instead of the one that had previously been stuck to him: Undertaker. Fortunately, he was mad enough that he enjoyed life all that much more. He smiled, bringing his hand closer to his face as the nail on his right index finger gently touched his bottom lip. "Heeheehee... Someone I don't know? Aww... I guess I'm going to have to go meet them.." He could tell that something was off. Someone was somewhere near him, so he walked on to see who it might be. He recognized this feeling, too. It was of a new shinigami. Someone who had never been in the Soul Society before. Curiosity was killing him...

Michaelis was closer to this strange newcomer now. He was used to knowing people, anyway. Almost everyone knew who he was. How could they not? He was indeed a sight to see. He creeped by, swaying from side to side occasionally, all the while smiling and humming again just as he was before. "I wonder who it could be, hmm... Maybe they'll have an interesting joke? Oh, I do hope so.. I've been deprived of laughter." Suddenly, a large amount of red invaded Michaelis's line of vision. It was of a man. He quickly ran over to the figure and observed him, looking him up, down and over frequently. "What odd colorations. He looks like a black and white thing with red all over... Heehee.." He kept grinning but had a mysterious look to him now, as the eyes hidden behind his long bangs shined with a bright light, presenting the fact that he had an evil little idea plotting in his head. "I would surely be yelled at for even trying this on a new soul but I just want to so badly." Michaelis held onto the red man, just lightly, so that if he became startled in his unconscious state, he wouldn't fight back to harshly. He raised his finger up to the man's eyes and opened one, completely forgetting the fact that he wanted to play around with the body. This man had the same eyes as Michaelis. That same yellow-ringed iris with green in the middle just outlining the pupil. It was uncanny.

Worried that he might wake the man, he placed him back down very gently. However, it didn't work out very well at all. The man shot awake, completely startled, but didn't fight Michaelis at all. Instead, he seemed lost, confused, and quite dazed. Michaelis simply smiled at him and got his attention more. The two remained quiet for just a moment before Michaelis started his slighty crazy, soft laughter to himself. "Oh, my... You got me all riled up! Now you have to satisfy me. Yes... Tell me something. Whisper it to me. I require.. A joke." Michaelis noticed that the man looked a bit confused. "Excuse me, I'm only asking for you to make me laugh, of course. I didn't mean to defile you or anything if you considered it. Although..." He chuckled again, lost in his own thoughts. After a few moments, he composed himself once again and looked back at the man. "Do tell me though, good fellow. Why do you have my eyes?"

[Greer Tayler]

Birds chirped in the distance, yes, he could hear them clearly now. They were quite peaceful birds that chirped. They carried out their days singing to one another, as if in some kind of constant chatter about something. Yet this chatter sounded so beautiful. Then amongst the chatter the faint sound of rustling grass came to his ears. It did not sound that of animal steps, so perhaps, human? He was too weary to open his eyes to even tell. That did not stop the other person, however. He felt himself being lifted slightly off of the ground, as if the person had no care in the world about the lost soul. Suddenly there was a jolt of bright light in his line of sight, his pupil would contract so suddenly he would be blinded for a second before the light came back to his eye. Then, the lazy lid would close again as the other person removed their finger. He sounded intrigued indeed by him. Still he did not feel quite the same as he was released from the other's grasp. /Is this guy nuts or something?/

He opened his yellow-green eyes to find that sudden shock of bright light flush into them again. He would blink several times before gazing up at the silver haired man whom wore a smile almost as if from ear to ear. He himself would wear the most puzzled look on his face, almost as if to ask what the hell that guy was doing. "Do you treat everyone that way," he said, an almost womanly tone present in his voice as he started to get up to his feet. This man was definitely a peculiar one, the one that stood in front of the red head with his lengthy silver locks. Heck even the scar that played across his face was peculiar, at least it was to Jisho.

Jisho rubbed the base of his throat with his left hand... Wait... His left hand? Jisho's line of sight shot down to the hand gazing at it with much confusion. How was it possible the hand that was hacked off by that psycho was attached to him again? Even if there was a scar to tell the story, it made no sense. It didn't matter now though, the man before him confused him quite a lot more. "Nandato? A joke? Sorry but my sense of humor is dead." However, it wasn't the fact that the man wanted to hear a joke that really confused him. No it was that the man pointed out one other thing that truly baffled the actor. "Do tell me though, good fellow. Why do you have my eyes?" Jisho gazed to the man with much shock evident on his face. Their eyes... were... the same... What? His eyes had always been such an odd color he never thought anyone would have eyes similar to his own, still to be the same, that was beyond weird. However it wasn't long after hearing this that the corners of his mouth twisted upward into a smile barring his ivory hued shark-like teeth. "Now that's interesting, but do we really have the same eyes?" Jisho moved slightly closer to the other as if to get a better look at the other's eyes.

[Deleted]

"How strange of a man! Doesn't even know where he is, huh? Yet you move so close, as if you know you won't be harmed. Cocky! That's what you are. Indeed, arrogant may be too harsh, however. But..." Michaelis held his finger out to the red man's shoulder, keeping him back from looking beyond his long gray bangs. "Heeheheeeee.. Not to fast, Aka-chan. Shouldn't we introduce ourselves before we go into such detail about each other? I'd be happy to show you my eyes... But I require something first. Yes.. Show me a 'first rate laugh' if you'd be so kind..." Michaelis was intrigued by this figure. Calling him Aka-chan was a nickname, of course, since he didn't know the real name. It suited the new being. But, he was a strange one. It appeared he didn't even know what happened to him, which was common, he supposed. But Michaelis knew that once the initial introductions were over, it would only be a matter of time before he had to show this man around the Soul Society, or at least the places he knew of. That way, maybe his new friend wouldn't feel so lost. Well, Michaelis hoped this man was a new friend.

The same idea kept running through his head. Similar eyes in life and keeping them after death, then to show up basically at his feet! Such a strange occurrence! It was unheard of, obviously, for two people with such a thing in common to see each other. It was a rarity, indeed. Valuable. Hardly heard of. However, one thing still remained. They were essentially the same person. And by that, Michaelis knew it meant they existed to meet one day, that fateful day that everything in the world would finally make sense. Or maybe, instead, it could mean this man was a dangerous enemy that needed to be stopped. Michaelis could handle any situation. But he truly enjoyed thinking of the most sporadic things. He always did. One of his favorite thoughts and the most famous riddle he knew was, "Why is a raven like a writing desk?" He asked that to nearly everyone. They never got the answer. Michaelis considered asking Aka-chan, but then decided against it for now. Until then... He'll just have to wait for the right time to bring it up. It's not easy springing something as difficult or as hilarious as that up on anyone. He was the "Mad Hatter," after all.

Michaelis studied the rest of the clothing on this specimen. He smiled the wide smile that he always had and laughed a bit crazily to himself as he thought of something. "Oh, sir. Before you answer me... You would look good with a red hat. Would you like a red hat? I have many hats.." Laughing continued to grow from the very core of Michaelis, because he found this moment to be particularly funny. He didn't know why, exactly. But it was. Furthermore, he was quite fond of hats. That was why he wore a black hat most of the time. He scratched his cheek and smiled again, hunching himself over slightly to bring his face closer to the figure. His hands were covered by the long gray sleeves from his dark robes, and he tilted his head from side to side occasionally as his giggling continued. Once he was able to calm himself down, he crouched down in front of Aka-chan to get a better perspective so maybe he wouldn't feel so short as Michaelis stood over him.

[Greer Tayler]

As the black nailed hand was placed on his shoulder and meant for him to keep his distance Jisho shook his head and backed up a step before the other continued. 'A first rate laugh'? What the heck? Didn't Jisho already tell this laughing fool that his sense of humor was dead? Why wouldn't he just give up on trying to get a laugh from Jisho? Though this seemed quite interesting, this man, it seemed he viewed life as nothing but some sort of game. Most interesting.

"Ah! But like I told you Shiro-san. My sense of humor is dead. However, if an actress must procure a laugh from her audience, then she shall somehow." He of course referred to himself as the actress, as he clasped his hands together in front of himself almost acting as if this were some sort of play skit he was in. He would fill the role of the heroine in this skit. She would free the towns people by banishing evil with the one thing evil hates most. Laughter. But alas the heroine has no sense of humor, so how could she possibly make the villian laugh? How would she do it, she would think to herself before eventually coming up with some sort of idea.

There was a serious look on his face as he closed his eyes momentarily, thinking about what he would do. Just how would he get this laughing fool to laugh so much his hat might fall off? He slowly extended one finger before his lips before Shiro-san interjected once again. He mentioned some sort of hat before he began cackling to himself again. A red hat hunh? Well Jisho certainly did love anything in a shade of red, however, that was a completely thing for Shiro-san to mention. However, it wasn't the mentioning of the hat that began to irk Jisho, no it was Shiro-san's constant laughing that was starting to annoy him. Couldn't this guy be serious? His constant laughing only made him think of one thing. "Can't you be serious for a few moments you Albino Hyena? Seriously, haven't you ever heard of the possibility of laughing to death?" Jisho's hand reached out for Shiro-san's shoulder. "However, my name isn't Aka-chan, as cute as that is. However, wouldn't you like to know my name? You seem like a simple guy that likes to enjoy life with a good laugh."

His lips twisted into a smile again, this one a bit more devious than before. He leaned in closer to Shiro-san's right ear. "I heard there was once a suicidal twin that killed her sister by mistake," he told the man a joke he had heard not long before he had come to where ever this place was. His left hand was acting as some sort of barrier, as if to keep eaves droppers from listening in to what he said. After he said it he pulled away only hoping the joke would sink in and make the guy laugh. After all, this controversy over their eyes being the same made him quite curious. Curious enough to do just about anything.

However, as he backed away from Shiro-san once again to give the guy some space he could help but notice something about him. The way the light hit his pale skin seemed to radiate a sort of gorgeousness, combined with the glory of his almost silken silver locks. The black clothing seemed to add a mysterious aura about his entire being. So enticing he was becoming to the red head. Enticing to a point in which he could feel himself begin to blush slightly. This man, he was so much different from others he had met before. He was, beautiful in the red head's eyes.

[Deleted]

Small giggles burst out from the gentleman's mouth as he grinned widely from ear to ear. He couldn't help but laugh quietly at the little joke. It was a nice attempt but not good enough to pass. However, that would have to do. Michaelis looked at the red man and tilted his head to the side. How strange it was to see anyone themed such an interesting color. Indeed, that's what it was. Interesting. It was so otherworldly, in fact, that Michaelis finally began paying more attention. "Actress, you say? My dear, the face I see is that of a man, but the personality I converse with is that of a woman. Who are you, Aka-chan?" He stared at the being who was now his new friend. They hit it off, in a way. Perhaps in a strange manner, but they were friends nonetheless, whether Aka-chan accepted it or not. Michaelis's smile faded, and he became serious. He stood up straight with his shoulders square and his hands at his side instead of fumbling around in front of his chest. His bangs swayed and moved to the side, revealing the same color of eyes that this man had, but only his left one could be seen for now. "My name is Michaelis Hallowell. People call me the Mad Hatter. Which, truth be told, I suppose I deserve. I act mad, anyway. It is simply how I am. I mean no harm by it, of course."

Michaelis carefully removed his hat, letting the long black piece slide over his shoulder as he swung the hat below his chest with a dignified bow of greeting. With his other hand, he took the man's palm and glanced at it, seeing each crease. "You take good care of these, it seems. A good quality for anyone. Taking someone's hand and having it be simply outrageous is not particularly entertaining." His eyes widened slightly as he looked back up to his friend's face. "Do pardon me. Old habits die hard, I assume. Worry not, though. I won't harm you in any way." He smiled gently, but it was a small smile this time. Not the giant grin he did when he got excited. "I believe I got off topic for a moment again. You said your name was...?" Curiosity. That was what this was. He was curious of the man because of such a strange behavior. That, and Michaelis wondered why his humor was so dry. What caused that, anyway? Dry humor? Telling a simply joke was easy, sure. But maybe it's getting the person to laugh that's the hard part. Nevertheless, it wasn't important at this time. He just decided he'd teach this man how to be funny and entertaining in other ways than acting.

Michaelis let go of the other hand and carefully placed his hat back on his head, repositioning the long black piece to flow down his back once again. He could tell his friend was troubled. Worry consumed him in a matter of seconds. A common misconception, Hallowell did indeed feel concern for people. The difference was that not many people gave him a reason to. Not many people came near him. If they did, they were afraid. It was understood, obviously. Staying as calm as he was now wasn't very easy for Michaelis to do. He hated it, truthfully. He hated every second of it. Oh, hate is such a strong word. He could handle acting like this for the rest of his life, but he much preferred to play tricks. It was fun. A smile crept up on Michaelis's face again, but this was also small. It was only because he was lost in thought. He closed his eyes for just a moment, but opened them once again and looked directly into the eyes of his friend. The games were over. It was time to be serious.

[Greer Tayler]

Jisho threw his hands out to the sigh with a bit of a dramatic sigh. His little joke did get somewhat of a laugh, that was better than nothing, however, he just wished he was capable of getting others to laugh. Perhaps it was because he never really got to socialize with anyone other than his younger brother that his humor was non-existent. After all, for the longest time it was just he and his brother against the world. No one liked the two odd balls. No one appreciated Jisho's flamboyantly red hair or his shark-like teeth. They especially abhorred his affection towards other males, and the way he always seemed to act similar to that of a woman. Heck, he even wore high heeled shoes. They also didn't like how he always showed public 'brotherly' affection for his blonde and black haired little brother. No one did. However the police did tolerate them.

Jisho watched with keen eyes akin to that of a hawk as the pale fingers reached up and placed themselves upon the ebony hat. He was observe as the other slipped the hat off of his silver maned head and swept it before himself as he made a sort of bow. He would then introduce himself as "Michaelis Hallowell". It was as he introduced himself that Jisho finally saw it, the hair parting over his left eye showing him that same double ringed iris of yellow outer and green inner. His eyes, they were exactly like those of the Juzu brothers. Absolutely astounding. Absolutely gorgeous. A single word would be uttered almost inaudible from Jisho's mouth as he couldn't help but gaze at the revealed eye, "Uttsui... uttsui... u... uttsui," he would repeat over and over so quietly the word. He would repeat it over and over, beautiful.

As Michaelis inquired about Jisho's name, Jisho was still in somewhat of a trance over Michaelis' eye to notice at first. Several moments would seem to pass, and even after Michaelis had replaced his hat, Jisho would still hesitate for a bit before finally calming himself, again snapping back to reality. "Right, sorry..." He placed his right hand on his forehead not even realizing Michaelis held his left hand in his own two hands. As Michaelis observed his hand, his bone chilling voice would echo through the immediate area ever so quietly. "I have to agree about the hand... However," he pulled his hand away from Michaelis as he brandished his left hand before himself index and little fingers extended. "They're dead if they think they can mar the hand or body of Jisho Juzu!" At last, the two odd men of similar eye introduced themselves. At last the conversation seemed to be taking a twist. Perhaps these two with their developing friendship of oddities were finally becoming serious. And perhaps this actress would finally get to begin her Act II.

Jisho dropped his hand back to his side along with his right hand as he gazed at the slightly taller man. Michaelis was creepy to a large degree, and yet, Jisho found it beautiful. Michaelis was everything everyone else wanted to stray away from, and yet it drew Jisho near. Even his odd eyes which would most likely even glow in the dark drew Jisho nearer. It was as if the man's similar eyes beckoned to the actress, she just couldn't look away.

[Deleted]

Dear my friend Hikotsu,
I am sorry to say that since I have not elaborated on Michaelis's character, I must withdraw from this current thread. I have no idea at all where to continue, because while I have his personality, I do not have a general life for him yet. Therefore, his story is quite short. I cannot reply because I am confused. So, until further notice, or until I start or finish Michaelis, I am going to have to terminate my partnership in this thread. I hope that later, however, we may participate in another.
Best regards,
Sana Kyouran.