It's Never Enough [PG13, Social]

[Zou ۞]

The new Cuarta Espada named Shikitsuhiko has been summoned by the newly appointed leader of the Envainar named Kuroi Naito. This meeting will take place outside of Las Noches in the huge black tower that stands next to it. That tower is the living place of Kuroi and Shikitsuhiko has been summoned to the top floor to meet with a figure that has become mythic in the three worlds.

But what is this meeting about?

[Zou ۞]

The single largest artificial structure in all of Hueco Mundo was the huge dome of Las Noches and that was indisputable. In the last few months however the dome was not the only thing to bring the skyline of Hueco Mundo to life and give its Hollow denizens something to gaze at in awe as they traversed the white sands of this desolate and hellish existence. It had been joined by a tower that was even taller than the dome and had a huge width to make up for the height. This black tower was the tallest structure in Hueco Mundo and it loomed with an imposing presence that others dared not question the meaning of. In truth this tower, which gave off no aura at all and seemed empty, was the home of King Sonken Kouhai's first ever enforcer. A man that had begun as his Octava Espada had risen to the rank of Segunda and then to something beyond that. Now that man dwelt in a home so haunting that no other could find it inviting save for him.

Shikitsuhiko's arrival to the front door was heralded by a lonely old man in a black cloak. His lengthy beard told stories of his years of service and the gnarled hands he used to gesture in welcome to the Cuarta Espada spoke of someone who had lived to see many terrible things. "Cuarta-Sama..." the old man greeted with a raspy voice while he played with his shaking hands and black clouds in the sky overhead passed in front of the moon to extinguish any light and wrap Shikitsuhiko in a ghostly blanket of horrid darkness. "My Lord is awaiting you upstairs. He is busy with another engagement but will be free to attend to you upon your arrival." The old man beckoned for the fourth Espada to follow him into the tower. Kuroi Naito might very well be the only Arrancar who actually had legitimate servants that did not double as spiritually powered or scientifically minded subordinates for use in warfare or experimentation.

The interior of the dark tower was only illuminated by the barest candle light. It was just enough for Shikihitsuko to see the decorations. Kuroi had done a grim job of decorating. The decorations were all gold framed portraits lined parallel to each other on either wall with exact amounts of space between each one. Some of the pictures were of what looked like Arrancar and several of them had black numbers that were visible on their bodies. These must have been previous Espada. Some of the others were of what looked like Shinigami Captains in their white Haori. "The pictures all have something in common." the old man told Shikitsuhiko as they crossed the enormous first level's expansive black obsidian floor. "They are all individuals that my Lord has killed... So I do caution you to take care." They reached the end of the room where two metal black doors parted to reveal a modern looking elevator with a red velvet floor for Shikihitsuko to step into.

His entry into the elevator would then be finalized by the doors closing with the old man on the other side, for he had chosen to leave Shikihitsuko alone to greet the master of the house. The elevator did not make any noise and did not require any input. It seemed to know what floor Shikihitsuko wanted to go to and started its long journey up. When at last it arrived at its destination and the doors slid open Shikihitsuko would see a spherical auditorium with no furniture or decorations and a smooth black floor the same as the first floor. The only things that could be seen were people. Three of them were on their knees with their heads bowed low and the fourth and final one was a tall man standing. He wore what looked like a black cloak with a hood up and over his entire head was a black helmet that doubled as a mask. That mask altered his voice to make it more resounding and powerful and perhaps also to mask his identity in strange places.

That man was Kuroi Naito, and he noticed when Shikihitsuko stepped into the room from out of the elevator. Before he would greet the newcomer Kuroi had to take care of the dissidents to Sonken Kouhai that were before him. He paced in front of them slowly with the only sign of impatience being his tangible displeasure with them. Kuroi jabbed an accusing finger at them around the same time the clouds moved from the moon and its marbled light whisked into the room to better illuminate the people in it and show to the Cuarta that Kuroi's other guests all had holes in their chests. They were all Arrancar. "Grimoire Acero is dead." He told them. "You will find that without him many of the liberties which you enjoyed and abused under his watch will not be available to you under me." It was obvious that they were all nervous. That was good. Kuroi wanted them to be. He knew that his reputation made him larger than life, and acting the part made his job all too easy.

"Your days of abusing the lower level Hollows for sport are at an end." Kuroi said. "While fighting amongst yourselves may be sparsely tolerated you do not hold sufficient authority to be damaging the newest seeds of Kouhai-Sama's Hollow army." Kuroi paced again and allowed his arm to drop to his side. When he spoke he intended for every word to carry weight. He might no longer be the soldier of the front lines but his apparent demotion had also come with what others perceived to be a promotion of authority. His influence over those weaker than him had grown stronger while his influence over Sonken Kouhai had waned. Secretly killing Grimoire Acero of course had helped. Kuroi whirled on one of his three and his hand wrapped around that one's throat. Kuroi's hand had a black glove on it. No one could see any of his skin in that outfit and it made him seem more monstrous. He enjoyed that.

Caustic red light formed along his hand and the dissident's neck started smoking. He struggled and yelped in fear. "No more hunting." Kuroi explained to the other two. "Or you will meet the same fate as this one." The dissident's head exploded to Kuroi's satisfaction, with blood across his mask and his burnt brains landing on his two compatriots. Their expressions were relieved rather than shocked. They had known when they had arrived here that one of them would not be leaving alive. Kuroi never spared everyone. He only spared the minimum necessary. The two that remained stood and bowed their heads before hurrying past Shikitsuhiko into the elevator to leave this dreadful place as quickly as possible. When they were gone Kuroi looked toward his newcomer. Visits into his home had become commonplace as he conducted more and more business with people of interest outside his duties to Sonken Kouhai.

The Envainar of Hope, ironically named for his Aspect of Death being Despair, removed his cloak entirely and dropped it to his feet. It revealed a black formalwear outfit that consisted of six button military style blazer and meticulously neat black shoes and pants. He reached to the back of his mask and something clicked. It opened in the back to permit him to remove it, which he did. What was revealed was a fair skinned man with neat black hair, who looked to be in the same physical dimension as a human would be in their very early 40s. Yet it was his black eyes that should catch attention. They were empty except for what looked like an instinct to hunt for prey. They were soulless except for what might be the strongest killing intent that Shikihitsuko would come across. The Envainar stepped toward Shikihitsuko. "Cuarta Espada." he greeted with a voice that betrayed none of what he might be feeling.

In truth Kuroi looked upon this Arrancar with only mild curiosity as to his value not just to Kouhai but to what he could do for the Envainar of Hope as well. "You were correct to arrive early." He chose his words with the intent of making them sound as if he was evaluating this new Espada. This was the first time that they had met. It was important to solidify the difference in both power and authority early. "Under most circumstances I would battle you to test your value to Kouhai-Sama." Kuroi admitted, withholding the information that he had killed both Baocao and Sesshomaru, previous holders of Shikihitsuko's new rank, for their incompetence. "Yet that is no longer my business. My evaluation of you will come from learning about your cunning or lack thereof." Kuroi's eyes narrowed and he took another step in the new Espada's direction. With the way the light came in, Kuroi's shadow now covered the Espada. "First you will tell me your goals. Then you will answer my most basic question: Do you understand the chain of command, Cuarta Espada?"

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

Shikitsuhiko displayed a steady gate as he slowly approached the colossal tower known to house the famed Kuroi Naito. He could hear the labored breathing of the man standing guard at the entrance to Kuroi's domicile. Based on the man's movements, it was clear he was aged considerably, and had likely been a servant of Kuroi's for quite some time. The knowledge and lore he possessed was of notable interest. Shikitsuhiko was known for his voracious consumption of knowledge, despite what some might assume regarding his blindness.

He approached the old man, who greeted him with the appropriate honorifics and proceeded to escort him through the tower. "The pictures all have something in common. They are all individuals that my Lord has killed... So I do caution you to take care." It appears this experience would be no different than many before it. The hobbled old man had failed to identify Shikitsuhiko as blind. In truth, this is precisely how he preferred it. The intricate plate that covered his eyes appeared to be merely decorative, but it hid the scarring around his eyes. While his eyes remained intact, they were devoid of sight. Choosing to cover them often mislead others to his blindness, and in battle that could be a useful advantage. 

It appeared this man was no different. A shame, too. He dared to caution Shikitsuhiko when it appears he should heed his own cautionary sentiment. The stories that circulate Hueco Mundo have never portrayed Kuroi as forgiving of carelessness such as this. It was a minor oversight, and mildly humorous, though such an emotion is seldom shared with others by Shikitsuhiko. Upon exiting the elevator he could instantly hear the shallow breaths and rapidly beating hearts of the guilty. It appears he had entered on a most tense situation. However, he would merely wait for Kuroi to address him.

Shikitsuhiko was known for his loyalty and taciturn nature. He seldom interjected unless the situation warranted his input. This would be no different. He patiently stood in the background, and would likely be perceived as a statue, his arms placed behind his back. He was a quiet and strange arrancar, but his skill and insight allowed his more bizarre proclivities to be overlooked. He listened carefully as Kuroi scolded the three arrancar kneeling before him. He could tell from the fluctuations in Kuroi's body that his irritation was growing. And if rumors proved true, he would not hesitate to kill a subordinate to emphasize his point. Soon after assessing the environment with his skills, blood and brains were splattered across the floor. 

Kuroi's decisive nature was admirable, and something Shikitsuhiko wished was personified more by his fellow arrancar. The petulant squabbles and struggle for power was beneath him. He felt unmoved by notions of power or prestige. He was concerned simply with preserving the hollow race, enhancing Las Noches, and serving Kouhai. He wasn't concerned with petty arguments or adolescent displays of power. In truth, he was likely the least violent of the Espada. He was violent and ruthless when situations necessitated such action. Otherwise, he was calm, focused, and displayed measured patience. As the subordinate's head splattered, he followed the pieces with his head as they scattered. 

He stepped closer to Kuroi and knelt before him for but a moment, before standing and placing his hands behind his back. Kneeling was a sign of respect, but for Shikitsuhiko, only Kouhai held authority enough to warrant him to fall to his knee and remain that way. This difference was idiosyncratic for Shikitsuhiko, as most did not observe this tradition. In fact, most did not hold the same deference for Kouhai and Kuroi that he did. They were too busy feuding with their egos to recognize the authority these two figures possessed. Not he. He was well-aware of Kuroi's authority. For Shikitsuhiko, Kuroi's authority was derived, if not partly, from his experience, wisdom, and power. He would possess authority for those things alone even if he were not of the position he currently held. 

"First you will tell me your goals. Then you will answer my most basic question: Do you understand the chain of command, Cuarta Espada?" Such simple questions for Shikitsuhiko to answer. He was not weighed down by the same defiant ego that many other arrancar possessed. He did not have to war with the lies that many prepared to tell upon being asked such a thing. Tilting his head slightly to the side, as curious quirk of his, he proceeded to share with Kuroi his answers. "My goals, while simple to understand, have always seemed to elude much of Hueco Mundo and Las Noches, respectively." He stated matter-of-factly. "I envision a future where all of Hueco Mundo marches under a single banner. Where Las Noches isn't merely viewed as an entity for Arrancar, but all hollows. In truth, such a goal relies on the strength of a separate goal. It is my view that Hueco Mundo will never piece itself together, after being fractured for so long, without something that boasts universal appeal." 

He paused for a moment as his head pointed in the direction of a nearby window, the pale moonlight pouring in generously. He could hear the cries of hollows in the distance. "Hollows are insatiable. Hunger drives them. Arrancar are no different, but their hunger usually manifests differently. Even in my sightless state, I have been able to see, if not distantly, a device that is capable of creating artificial souls. These souls are not directly meant for creating armies, but feeding the masses who will subsequently become the soldiers. Offer a hollow an indefinite source of food, and subsequently a means for certain evolution, and you have practically guaranteed loyalty. It is when we become arrancar do we lust more for power than souls. If Las Noches were to offer all of Hueco Mundo an infinite supply of souls, so they may grow without needing to cannibalize or traverse into dangerous territory, we could ensure both the loyalty of Hueco Mundo and its dominance among the realms." 

Shikitsuhiko faced Kuroi once more, his posture and tone continuing to display the utmost reference. "Chain of Command?" He remarked curiously. "I can only assume that you are less interested in my words, for many can conceal their intentions behind lies. You are watching me closely, looking for any non-verbal hint within my face, body, or spiritual pressure that might suggest disloyalty or ill-intent. I can assure you, my loyalty is absolute. You are an extension of Lord Kouhai's authority and therefore deserve the same level of respect. For disloyalty to you would mean disloyalty to Lord Kouhai, which is an unforgivable crime." Shikitushiko's words were wisely chosen and possessed a level of wisdom uncommon among his peers. Shikitsuhiko never doubted his own motivations and loyalty. He had never faltered once. He wondered if Kuroi would sense the sincerity in his words. Could he gaze past the lies and deception that came before Shikitushiko to see a most loyal ally? 

[Zou ۞]

The former Segunda appraised the value and sincerity behind the words of the new Cuarta. Kuroi knew when he was being lied to. He had worked with more than one deceptive Espada whose loyalty was questionable and he had also killed more than one Espada like that. One of the things that had made his legend was his willingness to kill the ones that were inadequate for the service of Las Noches. Kuroi had killed an Octava, two Cuartas and a Primera, all during his time as an Espada. They had been either too weak or too deceptive to be considered worthy of serving in the greatest institution of power that had ever been beheld in the great white desert called Hueco Mundo which Kuroi and so many other Hollows and Arrancar like him called home. Kuroi liked killing them. He enjoyed being feared. This one did not fear him but did know to respect him. This one was sincere in his loyalty. Shikihitsuko Isayama could see part of the bigger picture.

The Infinite Darkness shifted. Kuroi felt it. It told him of the value of this one. He wondered how long it had taken for Shikihitsuko to come up with an answer like that for his goals. It was a novel idea and one which even the Envainar of Hope had not thought of before. It was an impressive idea that could keep Shikihitsuko out of trouble. It was cunning. Perhaps there would never be any need to battle with or potentially kill this new Espada. Perhaps Shikihitsuko was someone that would stand the test of time and survive the vicious lifestyle in Las Noches after all, as Rio Demonliogalgo and Adalo De-Mona had even while all of the others fell and were replaced around them constantly. "You are wise to have discarded any superfluous ego before coming to this place." Kuroi told the Cuarta as he turned and began to pace around him without breaking eye contact unless he went out of Shikihitsuko's view.

The Envainar of Hope almost said it out of disgust. It was not disgust for Shikihitsuko. It was disgust for the Espada that did not know what he did. The arrogant Tercera that had been easily defeated by a pathetic Quincy in the battle against the Emperor of the Vandenreich was a sore spot for Kuroi, who had considered killing Sargon Denumic after his irredeemable failures. While thinking of the Quincy however Kuroi came upon a thought. This Espada really did have a commendable idea. The Envainar of Hope was experienced with Quincy and with the creation of Mod Souls. His new technician had created an army for him using limited resources. With unlimited resources Kuroi would be able to fulfill Shikihitsuko's goal and also his own. To give him command of empowering the other Hollows and Arrancar would give him untold influence and control. What was most promising was that Kuroi knew how to do it as well.

There was an item, the Soul Cross, which was a superior version of the Quincy Cross used by most Quincy. It had infinite reiatsu. Unfortunately that item was in possession of the Vandenreich's newly revived Emperor and Kuroi harbored no illusions that he could leave that battle without brutal injuries and a weakened army. Even if he could do that, the Emperor still had a purpose to serve in reducing the strength and numbers of the Shinigami. Kuroi had already done a lot of damage in his very recent invasion. He knew that the Vandenreich would soon use that opportunity to attack and that they would also probably eventually be defeated and destroyed. The Gotei Thirteen was more formidable than anyone gave it credit for in other factions. However with that war the Shinigami would be weaker than they had ever been in history. Kuroi would finally be able to surplant them and take their resources for his use.

"If it was in your power to achieve your goal in coming weeks, would you act on that?" Kuroi asked the Cuarta as he continued pacing around Shikihitsuko. The Envainar of Hope would allow those words to settle and for Shikihitsuko to attempt to divine the meaning of them before speaking again. "If you pledge secrecy to me now then I have a way, one that we can achieve together." The Soul Cross was only one of two possible ways to do this. Creating that many Mod Souls required a great deal of energy. Infinite energy, to be specific. There were only two sources of infinite reiatsu and both were of Quincy design. The first was the Soul Cross. The second was that girl. Kuroi knew that she was alive. What he had heard from his informants in the human world had been more than whispers. They had been sightings, too consistent and too detailed to be misdirection. She was alive and was allowing herself to be seen in order to threaten the Vandenreich's power. She wanted them gone.

"There is a girl by the name of Shauna Melody." Kuroi said. "She is the key..."

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

"You are wise to have discarded any superfluous ego before coming to this place." If Kuroi were as intuitive as rumors portray, he would be able to clearly distinguish Shikitushiko's behavior from others. The consequences of holding a position such as his is the ensuing paranoia. Even with all his power he can never ensure the loyalty of everyone in Las Noches. The weak-willed will fall prey to schemes, the gluttonous will be consumed by thoughts of power, and the cowardly will continue to lust for praise and prestige. Shikitsuhiko, however, was not encumbered by those vices and defects. He felt no desire to rule Las Noches or usurp power from Kurui. 

Despite that, it didn't matter. Kuroi had experienced enough betrayal to remain cautious even when the person standing before him has nothing but noble intentions. Shikitsuhiko did not fault him for that nor did he envy his position. He observed as Kuroi began to pace around him. He could feel his focus and attention radiating across his body. Kuroi was clearly intrigued, otherwise he would have responded in a harsher manner. Shikitsuhiko was patient. He didn't mind waiting for his superior to finish analyzing the situation. It was clear he was deep in thought, wondering precisely what to do with Shikitsuhiko. Still, he wondered why he was asked here.

Surely his loyalty was not the lone interest of this visit. Shikitsuhiko was always willing to be of service to Kouhai, and by extension Kuroi, but had never had the opportunity. In truth, this was the perfect opportunity to demonstrate his worth and usefulness. He had a great many skills that could benefit Kuroi, but it wasn't clear whether Kuroi saw it that way. His current position as the Cuarto espada was plagued by misfortune. Those who occupied this position in the past had been eliminated for a number of reasons. Two of those reasons were utility and reliability. It was an unforgivable crime among the Espada. You are meant to succeed and prove useful. Fail at those goals and survival greatly decreases.

Shikitsuhiko remained still, his hands behind his back as Kuroi questioned him further. He remained silent, contemplating Kuroi's words. In the coming weeks... He thought to himself. What a unique choice of words. It appears Kuroi's wisdom is truly more impressive than Shikitsuhiko imagined. Stories do him no justice. "You know of something that can help." He said calmly and definitively. "Your wisdom has not been properly rumored." He continued politely, noting Kuroi's cagey phrasing. "Despite not knowing what you know, I can say without hesitation that if my vision of the future was within reach, I would clutch it mercilessly." It is then that Kuroi revealed something quite unexpected. 

"Shauna Melody..." He repeated plainly. He was searching through the recesses of his mind, but could find no name. This person was no one he knew of. Even throughout his extensive readings, he had not seen her name. Who was she? What was she? He was instantly intrigued, but first had to pledge his loyalty. That was a simple task, however. It would not only be uttered with words, having been a contract long before meeting Kuroi. Shikitsuhiko respected the authority of Las Noches, and therefore would do as Kuroi asked. "My loyalty was yours to command even before you requested I declare it with words. I shall do as you ask, in the name of Las Noches and Lord Kouhai."

A very subtle grin crept into the corner of his lip, which was a rare sight. He was known for his taciturn and aloof nature, so even the slightest hint of joy was a significant occurrence. As soon as it appeared, it was gone. "This Shauna Melody....she is what? It would be inconceivable if she were a Shinigami. I can't fathom such a reality. There is no mention of an arrancar holding such potential, otherwise Las Noches would know of it." He contemplated for a moment, wondering if this person were neither Shinigami nor Hollow if they were something more. "What makes this woman essential, Lord Kuroi? Certainly she holds some unique power, but the way in which you spoke of her implies that she is to serve a central one. As if, without her, such a thing would be impossible."

[Zou ۞]

Flattery would have been a tactic of deception for many of the ones who did not want to die at the Envainar of Hope's hand but this one felt genuine. Shikihitsuko was not one to pay compliments and such words to the average among the strong even if they were among the King of Las Noches's highest authorities and inquisitors. Kuroi could tell by the serious nature of the new Cuarta Espada and the disdain his personality displayed for the feckless ones. Reverence of the King was a requirement. For Shikihitsuko there were no answers and alternatives and no other way to be. The Cuarta reminded Kuroi of the other one. His replacement as the new Segunda. Ryunosuke Hamada, who had also been the Cuarta. They were both loyal to their King and it was because of their loyalty that they paid respect to Kuroi's authority as one of the greatest enforcers that Las Noches had ever seen in all its many long years.

It also made sense that Shikihitsuko would not know of Shauna Melody. She had not been around for very long and she had supposedly died years before Shikihitsuko's time as an Espada. Maybe even years before this new Cuarta had become an Arrancar. Kuroi remembered her well and remembered the power he had felt from her. It was a power that had been stronger than his back then. That was no longer the case. "Twenty years ago, the Shinigami made a pact with a small group of Quincy to ferry a small child, a girl, to a peaceful encampment where she was supposed to die. The girl's spiritual energy was too powerful and too plentiful for her body to handle. The Quincy wanted her to die peacefully. The Shinigami wanted to ensure that she died in isolation so that they did not risk her exploding and killing millions." Kuroi left out the part where Sonken Kouhai had sent a mighty Hollow to attempt to extract her and weaponize her. It was an unnecessary detail, and that Hollow had failed.

"Ten years later that child emerged into the world at the age of fifteen and proclaimed that she would lead the Quincy to rebuild and prosper. She was considered to be the most powerful Quincy ever to live. That was Shauna Melody." The Envainar of Hope recalled doing battle with her. Her bow form had been unique and her arrows had been powerful. At the time he had suspected that not even his Cesar Del Vida could have contained her power. This was also a detail he would leave out, especially because Shikihitsuko also did not know and would not know of the existence of Kuroi's Segunda Etapa or of what powers it held for him. The Envainar of Hope motioned for Shikihitsuko to follow him into the elevator to reach another room as they spoke. The elevator arrived quickly and moved quickly to descend the floors that they needed to in order to arrive in a small stone room with an altar in the middle.

Kuroi continued as they approached it. "You have encountered those such as the Segunda, Ryunosuke Hamada, whose spiritual power is beyond their body's capacity to handle, and who cannot manifest a release because their spiritual energy suppresses it. You have encountered those Shinigami whose spiritual and physical power are legendary yet who cannot manifest more than a sealed Asauchi. There are Failures whose bodies are rendered unstable by their own power." Kuroi did not enjoy speaking so long winded when he was attempting to explain a mission. If Shikihitsuko was to be made to understand what they were going to encounter however then he had no choice but to do just that. It was not enough to explain what she could do. Shikihitsuko needed to know what she was because it was likely that they would have to fight against her. If this new Cuarta really was of value then Kuroi could not allow him to be killed on this mission either.

"Those types of souls are all flawed. They are brittle and incapable. She is the opposite of that. In the science of understanding soul theory, she is what you would call 'perfect.' She should have died yet her soul succeeded in overcoming that energy and conquered it." They arrived at the altar as Kuroi continued to speak. "The strength and quality of her spiritual energy is unrivaled. More importantly, the amount of reiatsu that she contains is infinite. She is a unique phenomenon that possesses infinite spiritual reserves and can never run dry." Only one other power existed like that. For a person to have that was more than miraculous. It was impossible. Kuroi had never believed it to have happened naturally but had dropped the idea because no others like her had ever appeared. He recalled the late Vizard named Zouma Santeku that had feared her as well despite their being allies for a short time.

"It was said that she had been killed, but that was a lie. She is alive. My informants in the Vandenreich have proof of that." Kuroi tapped the altar and a holographic display of the human world appeared with a large red area highlighted on it. "I know where she is. You will come with me and we will capture her while killing anyone in our way." They had to kill anyone. There could not be witnesses. No one must know what they were up to. If the Shinigami found out then there would be a full scale invasion of Las Noches before the technology could be implemented. Kuroi did not relish the idea of battling Sozen Kuchiki while most of the current holders of the ranks of the Espada left something to be desired. Now Kuroi turned to Shikihitsuko with energy and purpose in his eyes. "And when we harness her power, Hueco Mundo will be the greatest world ever to exist. The long war of Shinigami and Hollows will finally end... And we will win."

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

It appeared the lore regarding this strange woman was rather extensive. And her potential as a spiritual being was enough to warrant a temporary truce between the Shinigami and Quincy. Shikitsuhiko found himself only mildly surprised by such a tale. When something is deemed a large enough threat even a feud rooted in generations of people can temporarily subside for the sake of both. What did surprise him was the absence of other factions. Keeping something so precious, yet so volatile, under a cloak of secrecy is challenging. Each factions has its own methods for procuring sensitive information, but apparently Las Noches did not attempt to intervene. 

He listened carefully as Kuroi revealed the history of this child that was chosen to be discarded. He wondered how this child, as spiritually rich as she was, had survived. It appeared neither the Shinigami nor the Quincy had the nerve enough to snuff out her life. Their oversight would be Las Noches' gain, it would seem. He wondered why they kept this child alive and allowed her to prosper, especially given the information that was being provided. He was well-versed on those who were afflicted with unstable souls. Capable of harassing incredible power, but at the price of their body and longevity. Those who had dipped too deeply in the chaotic spiritual energy contained in their fragile casing would become a failure.

He had met them before, though few actually exist. They are rare, which is fortuitous due to their instability. It appeared she survived the inevitably transformation. It begged the question of why. What made her so different? One would assume she was a superior spiritual being, but such a conclusion was a contradiction. He believed Kouhai held great power and arrancar were capable of incredible strength, enough to destroy their enemies. However, someone labeled as perfect negates his view of the world. One's perception of the world is delicate. This had proven that. Shikitsuhiko was now faced with the contradiction that this woman possessed even greater power than his master. Inconceivable. 

He was never one to show emotion, and this day would be no different. He calmly faced Kuroi as he paced. "Why would she be kept alive? Either they were without the means to kill such a powerful soul or they foolishly reneged on their truce." He stated inquisitively. "It appears the Shinigami are more foolish than we previously imagined." He went quiet, his mind carefully analyzing the details of the story. "This woman, with unfathomable potential, survived and declared herself the Quincy's savior." He remarked softly. "One cannot declare herself a savior without a great evil. Even worse, to personify saviorhood, one must die. They always do." His words carried weight as he contemplated the history Kuroi had shared.

This was not unlike Shikitsuhiko. It seldom accepted information at face value. He would separate it into pieces and examine each fully before moving forward. He did not doubt Kuroi's words, or his wisdom, but felt details were left out. Perhaps Kuroi felt them inconsequential or simply overlooked them. "Am I correct in assuming she was the self-proclaimed savior of the free Quincy? And, in her efforts to liberate her people, died. And was subsequently resurrected like the great evil she died to extinguish? The savior and the great evil are fated archetypes. One simply cannot exist without the other. Which would explain why suddenly rumors surface of her return just as the Quincy emperor sits upon his throne to lead the Vandenreich." 

Shikitsuhiko had hoped he had not spoken out of turn, but his curiosity and search for truth was difficult to suppress. He was earnestly looking for answers, and he felt Kuroi had them. Those and many more. He admired that about Kuroi, which explains why Kouhai valued him so highly. He could hear the mechanics of the projector asit distilled an image. "I'm afraid I am without the sight to see what you see, Lord Kuroi. However, I will do what I must to help you obtain this woman. If she is indeed as powerful as you say, I see no reason why she couldn't be used to produce an infinite amount of artificial souls. That being said, is my power enough to incapacitate such a foe? And will I be the only one hunting her? If she is as legendary as you describe, I am certain others are eager to obtain her. I suppose they'll all need to die." He commented plainly as he awaited Kuroi's response.

[Zou ۞]

The Envainar of Hope was patient in execution. Yet when it came to his feelings he could not have been more impatient. Shikihitsuko understood that Shauna Melody's potential was as a fuel source to create those Mod Souls. "You are correct, Cuarta." Kuroi said with his cold and unyielding voice. "I am already in possession of the technology and technicians to produce Mod Souls. Doing so requires resources, an energy cost. With Shauna Melody, the cost will be meaningless." What Kuroi did not mention was that there were other uses for her energy. It was infinite. If a link to her energy could be established in the same way that the Vandenreich Emperor linked to his Stern Ritters to create the Hierro-like power called Blut Vene then Kuroi could do the same to power his warship infinitely and also dramatically increase its firepower. Or he could harness reiatsu from her for higher storage aboard his warship.

He could also use her energy as fuel needed for his technicians to produce more warships. With an endless army of loyal Mod Souls and multiple warships like the one he had brought to his recent invasion of the Seireitei Kuroi would be unstoppable. He would have the greatest army and destructive potential in history. Las Noches would have an advantage that had never been seen before. Kuroi would be at the head of that. What had been the death of his Fraccion at the hands of the King of Las Noches and had been his demotion from Espada to Envainar and thus away from the frontlines had now become a blessing. He had killed Grimoire Acero and taken greater influence in Las Noches than he had had before. He now had more privacy and free time to scheme and to better his options. Kuroi could no longer rely on Kouhai providing him with trained units of Arrancar soldiers but now he no longer needed to. He had his own private resources.

Private technicians. A private army. Even a private warship. That wasn't all either. Using Shauna Melody would also be a key to unlocking the secret of creating more powerful versions of the Shinigami boy Kuroi had picked up. "Grodd" had been the name of the boy according to that body's new host, Beast. The Envainar of Hope could feel a twinge of his own killing intent and readiness when he thought of having many followers with the same power set as Beast. Shinigami that could defy the limits of their race by embracing the powers of Hollows. Though they were referred to by Kouhai as failed pseudo-Arrancar, and Kuroi felt the same way about them, that did not diminish that their battle value exceeded those of any regular Shinigami. Best of all the Hollow Wraiths that Kuroi was creating were more powerful than the original versions, the Vizards. They were much more powerful.

Interrupting the Envainar of Hope's thoughts came Shikihitsuko's concerns about his strength and about others hunting Shauna Melody. "I have heard rumors that a Stern Ritter will be sent after her." Kuroi said. "And while there is silence among my spies in the Gotei Thirteen, if they are aware of her they will know to send powerful Captains, perhaps Sozen Kuchiki or Enma." Kuroi hoped for Enma. He had been seeking him for a while now. He also did not wish to face Sozen in combat again. Not yet. Sozen was too powerful. That had been confirmed when Kuroi and Ryunosuke had faced off with Sozen and Raion Souretsu. Kuroi would win that fight one on one, but at great cost. He could not afford to be distracted by that Shinigami while so many other powerful opponents were there. Not yet. "If you believe yourself capable of handling our enemies, I can take the girl. She is still young. There are so many weaknesses to explore."

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

Shikitsuhiko nodded gently. "Indeed. If this woman is truly as powerful as you described, she would be an infallible energy supply." He remained silent for a moment, contemplating Kuroi's words. A sternritter. This would make sense. This woman's power directly contradicts that of their leader. She represents an alternative and they will be eager to either control or kill her. He is unsure what their motives would be. Las Noches wants to keep her alive and use her. She's more useful that way. Do the sternritter want to benefit from her power as well? Or, perhaps, they will choose to erase her existence for they already have an unlimited source of power, their leader.  

"Whether I encounter an emissary for the Shinigami or the Vandenreich, it will not matter. I will eliminate all whose presence impedes my primary mission. I am not of the discipline that reasons mercy. If they choose to engage me or interfere with my primary objective, you have my word, I will dispose of them as efficiently as feasible." His voice took on a more ominous quality as he responded to Kuroi. Shikitsuhiko was a curious arrancar. He often delivered conflicted portrayals. At first glance, one might consider him benign due to his quiet nature. On the other hand, he is capable of radiating a terrible aura that projects his killing intent. 

The idea of running into obstacles was displeasing, but he understood it was likely to happen. Under these circumstances, with such a powerful target, there is no way he would be the only one in search of her. "I believe strongly in the principles of knowledge and discipline. Even the most powerful foe can be brought to their knees with skill, cunning, and preparation. She and the others are no different." He lifted his hand and combed a portion of his hair back, feeling it was out of place. "I have already deduced this woman has many weaknesses. If she were truly in control of her boundless power, she would have accomplished much more and made more of a name for herself. Her relative obscurity suggests she does not yet know how to fully use her power. Like you said, she is young. And the young seldom use their gifts wisely." He adjusted his body and faced Kuroi directly. "When shall we embark on our mission, Lord Kuroi?"

Shikitsuhiko was surprisingly eager to begin their mission. In part because his dream of united Hueco Mundo and ensuring the evolution of hollows was nearing fruition. The other was to serve Kuroi, who he quietly admired. His tenacity, ingenuity, and skill were all things worth emulating. In much the same way he respected Kouhai's power, he valued Kuroi's. They both possess wisdom and power. He believed they were two sides to the same coin. Without both, one would be imbalanced and ineffective. They embodied many of the characteristics he strived to nurture and develop for himself. Time would tell whether this mission would bare fruit.