Paranoia?

It was a decently cold night out, even a bit of snow was beginning to fall from the sky. The white flakes coated the ground and buildings in a soft white blanket, keeping the Earth warm while she slept. The huge full moon added to the beauty of the night, giving it's soft light to the people. Clouds of warm breath were able to be seen as the people spoke or simply breathed. The entire city seemed to be decorated in lights and trees as well, celebrating the time of the year... Joy of the seasons. Winter was something that was never seen in the Soul Society, nor was the celebrations of the Holiday Christmas. It was something Arisu had never even heard of until she found her way into the World of the Living.

She was standing on top of Big Ben in the city of London, England. Somewhere she figured that her father would never quite find her, nor even think of looking. Besides, no one could see her anyway to give the Shinigami information about her... She hated gigai's, just as restricted as her fathers home. Why would she ever use something that reminded her of home, despite the fact that would mean people could actually see her. Simple logic really.

Arisu looked down at the people of London with curiosity. What makes them so happy this time of the year? What's so special about this stupid cold weather and some old fat man eating their cookies? She could never truly understand the Humans and their curious little habits. All she knew was that they were innocent people that she would protect if she needed to, however it has seemed lately that she wouldn't have to defend anyone for a while. No confrontations from Shinigami, Hollow or Sinners in at least three months... It was relaxing.

So the girl sat down on top of the humongous clock and laid down in the snow covered roof. She grabbed the ends of her cloak and wrapped it around her body nice and tight to keep her warm, while her eyes stared up at the moon in delight. Her eyes slowly started to get heavy as well, it was just simply too relaxing. Perhaps she could actually get some sleep here in London... Just a few minutes? The moment her eyelids closed, she jolted awake thinking she felt some reiatsu... However, once awake she didn't feel anything. "Perhaps it was just paranoia..."

Just for a moment, a sneaky little sinner tried to kill him. And for that one moment, his power was felt, and the sinner was in a couple dozen little pieces, running into a type of laser grid. And once again, his power was under complete and total lockdown, since his migraine lessened. A small, four foot ten blond child wore something completely off from his standard outfit. He wore two layers of clothes, sweatpants, and black jeans with black tennis shoes with two layers of wool socks. For his upper body, red jacket with a black sweatshirt underneath, with a white undershirt underneath that. His sword was on his back, as always.

Rui Herutsu was observing the "holiday" spirit. Santa Clause, Jesus's birth, and the other religions. He didn't quite understand it at all. Why was it such a big deal? People are born and die everyday, but why is the one child so special? And how did this fat guy in red and white get in the picture? He would ask...if he could be seen. He wondered over to Big Ben, leaning against it and sitting down. He decided to do a routine check in the area, to make sure he wouldn't be attacked on site. His eyes glowed red for just a moment. He could sense across dimensions, so it would be extremely hard to hide from him.

He jumped up, like someone shocked the hell out of him. How could he have missed it? A vizard, right above him?! A weak sinner was one thing, but a fairly high leveled vizard was another. Not near his level, but could be trouble. His migraine spiked, but still not high enough to make him lose concentration and reveal himself. He did look up though, spotting the woman. Rui just started at her, with some fear. He would only fight if necessary. All depended on how she reacts in the next few minutes...

The vizard slowly stood, not trusting her own instincts. Something could've definitely given off some sort of quick burst of reiatsu, especially to kill some low level being. But still? Even if they were trying to hide their reiatsu, wouldn't she have sensed it at some point other than that quick burst? Her eyes narrowed a little, staring through the snow and looking carefully at her surroundings. Nothing really threw her off, but now that she thought about it... It really was too calm of a night. When was the last time that Arisu had ever had an uneventful night? When she lived in the Soul Society.

So why would tonight be any different than any other night in the World of the Living? It shouldn't be. Then again, she was just as effective at hiding her own reiatsu and that could mean that something was really out there. She wasn't the only one who could hide it effectively. Take the Onmitsukidō for example. So where was this being that displayed the reiatsu so quickly? There was no one in the sky or on the rooftops. Most of the time, that's where spirit beings seemed to travel... completely out of sight from prying eyes.

Then again, someone could be brave enough to walk the streets... or uncaring enough. Slowly her eyes scanned the snowy roads and sidewalks looking for someone or something that was out of place. She couldn't find anything. Sinners were obvious to spot with their cloaks and masks, hollows were even more obvious. Shinigami wore the typical outfits, as well as the Arrancar. Humans, Quincy and Bounto were the hardest to spot, looking like mere powerless humans. However, when her eyes moved to the base of Big Ben she saw him. An Arrancar, judging by the partial mask, huddled in bundles of clothing. And he was staring at her, though making no threatening moves.

Why should she care about him? He isn't hurting anyone or anything, especially since he looked very uncomfortable in this cold weather. However, she couldn't take her eyes off of his. She simply wanted to make sure he had no hostile intentions, who knows how long he has been there. Her hand rested lazily on the hilt of her sword, in a just in case manner. However, she made a move to lean against a nearby wall... Showing her own indifference to the entire scene.

She didn't make a move except put her own hand on her sword and leaned agaisnt the building. Rui's hollow fragment was simply a small, red and white lightning bolt shaped hair pin. But should still be recognized as a hollow fragment. And if not, his sword on his back surely would. She seemed indifferent to the scene. The boy's crimson eyes broke eye contact as he sighed heavily. As long as he was behaving himself, she seemed content in letting him go. Which was alright by him.

(OOC: I really hate to do this since it is your thread, and I would normally let this go to you, but otherwise no interaction would happen between them and the thread would just die I think. Hollows incoming...)

But others did not seem to share her commitment. Twin gargantuas opened to reveal four hollow, all of them adjuchas. The boy spun to face them. "Well, this is the supposed god? He's nothing more than a little brat of an arrancar! This'll be fun..." Just as the supposed leader of the group finished, both of the outside ones charged the little kid. One lashed out with claws, the other a set of pincers.

Only to meet air, and Rui's presence fully felt. He slipped between the small gap between the two inner hollow. They seemed surprised at his sonido. A red aura around Rui, a pair of red blocks smashed both the leader and his comrade, turning them to mush before disappearing. The blocks turned to lances and were shot out at the two original attackers. They quickly charged up ceros and destroyed the lances. Crimson eyes glowing and slitted, a red wall formed infront of him. It cracked from the twin barrages, but held. The hollows charged in from the sides, only to be split in half by a red line of energy.

The energy disipated, and Rui once more was docile. Another attempt, and another call on his horrid nickname. That makes two today. One more, and he would get pissed beyond belief. And more than likely, the entire city would be gone by the end of it. Rui sighed heavily again. He only hoped no more would come. In the back of his mind, he also wondered what the vizard thought. Hollows attacking an arrancar should be fairly uncommon. If anything, the hollows would be asking how to join the Espada, or become members the that centralized power base. He would imagine it odd at least to the outside observer.

The childlike monster of monsters started to walk off calmly, hands in his pocket. Time to observe more of this unusual holiday...unless the vizard woman wanted a friendly conversation...or even a hostile one...

(lmao Jun, do I really give a flying hell? Control the scene if you have to, I'd do it if I knew better. xD)

Arisu, despite her seeming indifference to the matter, made sure to keep her dangerous brown eyes watching the Arrancar underneath her. She was unsure of what his purpose there was. Was it to kill her? Kidnap her? In that case, she wouldn't go down without a dangerous blood thirsty fight. However, she had no clue what this kid's reiatsu level was... he had it dangerously hidden and that was unsettling. She would simply have to try her best wouldn't she? Despite her inner thoughts, the Arrancar seemed just as indifferent to her as she was to him... Interesting. Maybe he was sight seeing like her.

Suddenly she felt the reiatsu of four hollow and she immediately pushed herself off the wall, hand gripping her fancy zanpaktō tightly. She was ready for the attack that the Arrancar had brought upon her. However, when the adjuchas came out of the garganta they immediately attacked the Arrancar... What was going on? Why would hollows and Arrancar fight? They should be wanting what he has... Asking him to make them his fracion or whatever the hell those creeps do. Instead they were attacking him as if it were a big deal that they found him.

Suddenly an intense reiatsu was felt from below, presumably the boys, which caused Ari's eyes to widen in surprise. That Arrancar looked half her age and yet he was so much faster and stronger than her... How did she even think she was competition for him? She quickly shook that fear from her and narrowed her eyes, her blade pulled just a little from its sheath in case she needed it. However, the battle was over before it even begun and left Arisu staring at the Arrancar with admiration at his effectiveness in battle. But she was still curious as to the situation... Why? Just why?

Before the Arrancar took even one full step, Arisu was in front of him in a readied stance. However, this stance was only in case it was all ruse to get her down to him and trust him... She had serious trust issues, but she was definitely curious to the situation. Her voice was soft and fluid, but in a way it was deadly and powerful. "What was that all about, Arrancar? I demand to know why the hollows are attacking each other." For some reason, the princess in her came out and she suddenly regretted it... The Arrancar probably wouldn't enjoy that tone.

Rui stepped back when the vizard showed up. Sure enough, she was curious. She wasn't cocky or arrogant, but definitely had a dangerous tone to her voice. She trusted him about as much as he trusted her. The woman was ready for a fight, though he would only give her one if provoked. Still, she could have been nicer about it. "I'm not part of the Espada, for one thing. Though I doubt they were too. I've lived for so long and haven't lost a fight I got myself a retarded nickname that they wanted to disprove. Though I can do that myself. Add in my own oddity that seperates me from my own supposed kind, I'm used to such attempts on my life. Add in the other races, experience taught me not to trust anyone very easily." His tone was nothing but civilized, mature, and respectful. After feeling some of his power, she had the guts to approach him.

In his 2600 years, all he knew was turmoil. His reputation made other hollows to find him in hopes of gaining power. Betrayel was common for him. While maintaining sentience, he never did become a Menos Grande. Though with the battles, he gain enough strength to take on Menos of most kinds, though he never did encounter a Vasto Lorde. That is, until he was forced to become an arrancar by rogue shinigami scientists long before Aizen and Urahara. That experimentation gained back his heart, closing his hollow's hole. It wasn't long after that his nickname took shape. "The God of Hueco Mundo." Ha! If it can be cut, if it can bleed, then it can be killed. Gods cannot be killed. Rui can be cut, he can bleed, he can be killed. Thus he was no god. Many said otherwise. Some wished to disproved such a claim, now more than ever.

Rui continued on to explain. "I'm not exactly the most popular arrancar, if you can even call me that. You've felt me, surely you've felt the warp in my arrancar signature. Some think I'm an abomination, a monster among monsters. In some ways, they might be just right. Who knows? Either way, I'm not here to cause trouble on purpose. I'm only here to observe this unusual holiday. That's what I am, an observer." He wondered if that answer would suffice. The fact she didn't attack him right off was nice, if a little unusual.

The way the kid spoke made Arisu's grip lessen a little from her sword, however not completely. Nor did she relax from her combative stance. Who knows, it could all still be a ruse. But why would someone of his power or anyone at all go to this length to trick her? Despite her confusion and obvious doubts to her own paranoia, she continued to hold her stance... just in case. The girls eyes narrowed for a second, before relaxed. She was obviously contemplating something, which to her she was trying to figure out what the entire thing really meant.

He was practically telling her that he was a Rogue Arrancar. A rogue like her. She had never heard of an Arrancar who wasn't in the Espada or any other organization underneath the Espada. So why would they start going Rogue now? Then again, why was she rogue? She hadn't heard of that ever happening either, but there she was. (She wasn't told of the cannons). She suddenly had so many other questions for the Arrancar, so many that it made her head hurt. However, she made sure that it didn't show on her face or body language.

Now that he said something about it, she thought back to the moment his reiatsu flared to what she hoped was its full extent. She had felt many Arrancar and Hollow reiatsu's and none of them had that odd twist in it. He wasn't an Arrancar? No, he had the partial mask that marked him an Arrancar so he had to be. Her eyes quickly scanned his body, but he had no Hollow Hole... What the hell was he? A Vizard? No, she was a Vizard... Vizards had full hollow masks, not partial. Besides, he didn't have a hint of Shinigami reiatsu in him. What was that small twist in his reiatsu? What was he?

She seemed to completely relax now, her hand dropped from her sword and she stood straight. However, she did this in a very cautious manner, still weary of his actions. "An observer, you say? I suppose I could say I am the same, I am also observing this odd holiday these humans celebrate. We seem to be a lot alike, right down to not having a hollow hole. Though I am still untrusting of you and your actions, I haven't had company in a long time. At least none that hasn't tried to kill or capture me. Perhaps we could discuss this further somewhere out of the wind? Besides, it does seem to be the time for being friendly..." She obviously said this with a slight hesitation, but was still sincere.

She was questioning him. Seeing if there was some ulterior motive or if he was lying. Rui never had reason for it. He was never into polotics, though he's observed it almost all of his life as an arrancar. And he knew what often goes on behind the cameras, where they thought they were safe. She seemed to have thought back, and started to actually look at his body. Like she could see through clothes. Oh well, he can prove it later, when they're someplace warmer. He was sure she was questioning what he was. Then again, Rui already does most days. But at least she seemed to have relaxed some. At least, on the outside.

She spoke of also being an observer, and that they were a lot alike. She continued on, sincere, but with slight hesitation. Trust issues, he didn't even need to hear that she still didn't trust him. Just like him. For some odd reason, this brought a ghost of a smile on his face. How odd. "Benefit of the doubt. If nothing else, at least we can be civilized. And it seems we might have more in common than either of us realize. Lead the way. It's cold out here...and I'm sure you'd love to see if I really do lack a hollow's hole..." Or at least he guessed. The warp surely gave something away.

Rui isn't one much for conversation. At least, not yet. He would follow her silently unless spoken to...

She caught that smile, it was faint and even as if he was bored of the smile. It almost made her smile behind her mask, however she fought it back... Not wanting to show attachment to someone she didn't trust or, quite frankly, like quite yet. She simply wanted the company of someone who didn't seem interested in killing or capturing her. It truly was a relief to know that someone, whether it be Arrancar or not, didn't think of her as a fugitive... or food. He then proceeded to speak once more, though he obviously said it in a bored of talking already tone. She gave a curt nod to him and turned.

When she turned, she let that smile slip out onto her hidden lips. It was something she rarely did anymore, smile... It felt good. However, it was short lived since she forced it back down once more. Her eyes glanced over her shoulder, the constant bored yet dangerous look she held still there. "Come then, I'm sure you don't like that hideous jacket of yours." She said this without realizing she was poking fun at him, which took her by surprise. She hoped he wouldn't take offense, but she made note not to take notice and turned back around.

The moment her eyes met the brick of Big Ben, the tiniest bit of her reiatsu showed itself and she leaped into the air. Her feet pushed off the bricks and the solidified reiatsu underneath them so she could practically run up the side of the building. She quickly reached the top, where she was standing earlier and walked into the top floor of the tower. She didn't bother looking behind her, she knew he would follow her. Who else would invite him into shelter, even though she was technically squatting? Exactly. When inside, she sat down and placed her decorative katana next to her... in silence.

Rui followed her. Looking over her shoulder, she spoke again. His curiosity peaked at her choice of words. Tilting his head cutely, like a small child not understanding, he spoke. It wasn't hostile, more like childish curiosity. "My jacket is hideous?" Rui followed her every move, even keeping up with her easily. Speed and mobility is one of his specialties after all. They reached the top of Big Ben, going into a tower. She squatted, while he only had to duck a tiny bit or not at all, depending on how tall she was compared to their space. Like her, he took off his double edged sword from his back, and leaned it against the wall. The place was warmer than outside. Then again, it also had a space heater that was turned on. That thing was a new model, from what he gathered, and made the place cozy.

She didn't seem inclined to start conversation, so he did. "My name is Rui Herutsu. I age quite well, being an arrancar for a 1000 years no thanks to some rogue shinigami long before Aizen or Kisuke, but I've lived for more than 2600. I stayed well away from Aizen, I've seen his kind on more than one occasion. I knew that he would fail and get me killed one way or another, though he was significantly closer to the others I've observed. Power hungry madmen seem to be a constant in the world. Or worlds. What about you? Why aren't you with the Kishimasuku?" That was the big question. And he wondered about her own credentials. But unless she asks something personal, he wouldn't either.

(By Squatting I meant that she was living in a building that wasnt owned by her.)

This Arrancar didn't seem as inclined to be quiet as she did. This little fact caused a small hint of a smile flash on her lips underneath the leather covering from her nose down. This small talk he was making it seem as if he truly wanted to be there and didn't distrust her as she distrusted him. However, since he was speaking about his past as if he trusted her, it made her rethink her distrust for him. However, her full trust was extremely hard to obtain so it would probably never happen between her and this Arrancar. Then he asked her the big question.

He asked why she was a rogue, which only one true answer could be said. So it was more of a decision whether or not she could trust him with her answer or if she couldn't. Her dangerous brown eyes narrowed a little as she slowly studied the boy, what'd he call himself? Rui. Her decision came down to the fact that he hadn't already tried to kill her, he also told her his entire past in a summed up manner. She supposed she could tell the man about herself, but she would limit the information it... for now.

"When I was in the Soul Society, every one knew who I was, but most never personally saw me. Because of who I was there, when I left I became the most wanted person on the Shinigami list. Not only to kill, but they could capture me... In fact that is the preferred way of returning me to the Soul Society. So I hid myself here and over certain circumstances, have become a Vizard. When that happened, I was most certainly approached by the Kishimasuki, but I declined their offer. My reasoning being, that I don't want to risk their safety because of my... Infamy. So now I am here, sitting with you in a giant clock."

Rui also listened to her. She seemed to be rather famous in Soul Society. But for what reason, she didn't supply. That's alright, he didn't exactly supply a whole lot either. He neglected to mention his worship base, among other things. Either way, Soul Society wanted her, and seemed willing to do anything to get her. She was approached, but declined their offer. But why? Wouldn't it be safer in numbers? She would at least have a home. Risk their safety? That made some sense. Still, who knows what the future might bring.

"In all honesty, it would benefit both the Kishimasuku and Soul Society if they formed an alliance. Their law only states that the Vizards are not allowed in Soul Society, but nothing about an alliance being allowed. Though some amends would go a long way. If that happens...wouldn't they have no choice but to stop for fear of losing allies that, if turned enemy, could cripple them? Captain-Commander Akira Tanaka surely would see that. Heck, they're still not back up to full strength after Aizen. And if my profile of Zer is correct, he would take up on their offer of peace. Or you could go the human organization called the Coalition. I hear, though unconfirmed, that they have a bounto and even another rogue arrancar in their ranks. New York is my next stop after this holiday, to confirm that. It would make even more sense for Soul Society to team up with both groups. That would give them a significant edge against Grand and the Sinner's leader. But who knows if there are forces at work to even accomplish that..."

And having at least a hidden home to go to was nice. He decided to touch that subject. "Do you even have hidden homes to go to? Having one is rather nice...I have quite a few in Hueco Mundo myself..." He paused slightly...and asked another question. "Then again...why do you care about the Kishimasuku's well being? You'd be insulated, and have backup to call upon..." His tone was almost childish, and definitely curious.

Arisu tilted her head curiously. She had never really thought about making a home for herself, whether it be hidden or not. She had always seemed to just wander around The World of the Living. Maybe it had something to do with her father and the why she left to begin with. She frowned for a moment and sighed pretty heavily. Without even really thinking about it, she removed her cloak and pulled the mask off her face. She had a beautiful appearance, but was young herself, only older than Rui as she was 18 in appearance. Her eyes looked across the tower to Rui and shrugged lightly.

"I wouldn't be so sure of the Captain-Commander, myself. I find myself thinking that he has something about his pride that is keeping him from contacting the two organizations. However, I do not find that my fellow Vizard would find that my being in their organization would also hinder them. Especially from finding an alliance with the Gotei. As for the humans, I am not sure I can trust them with myself... they are too self centered. They are quite simply put, human. As for a place of my own... I suppose that this is my home."

The girl gave a quick look around the room. The space heater and the couch cushions for a bed were about the only thing she really owned, except the clothes on her back. However, it was free and she had no restrictions to the place. She could leave whenever she wanted and that was what she really wanted, freedom. Maybe that was the real reason she never joined an organization. Maybe the other reasons she gave were simply good excuses as to why and that was all they really were. Excuses.

She tilted her head, thinking about what he had said. Arisu sighed and removed her mask and cloak. Rui took off his jacket, it was starting to get rather warm for him. She spoke once again. Pride. One of the seven deadly sins. It would be fool-hardy to let it get in the way of something so beneficial. Hinder them? He doubted that. Strength in numbers, or so the saying goes. Not trust the human organization? If it's true that they accepted an arrancar into their ranks...they would be very much open-minded. Or at least that's his impression. Rui stretched out a little bit.

"Pride? If he allows that to get in the way of something so important, he would only prove himself unworthy of the position of Captain-Commander. Hinder the Kishi? What makes you think that? Doesn't the saying goes 'strength in numbers'?" He paused to allow her to answer before continuing. "If it's true that the Coalition accepted an arrancar...they're pretty open-minded. Whether or not they're selfish would be on an individual basis. You really wouldn't know unless you meet them..."

Rui looked up, thinking about why she wouldn't join an organization, besides being an observer. No matter what he thought of, he always came up to one conclusion. "Freedom." The boy whispered, barely audible. Was that the real reason and the rest just excuses?

"I wouldn't think that an official alliance would be necessary either. The two races may not like each other, but they don't have to fight each other either. Besides, if the Arrancar and or Sinners decided to attack anything, all three of the supposedly good races will come together to fight anyway. No need for an actual alliance is there? Thus, his pride isn't really hindering anything is it?" Arisu stated softly as she stared at the floor. "As for hindering the Kishimasuki, I do not mean hindering them because of me directly. Do you believe that all of the Vizard could survive an all out attack on them from the Gotei Thirteen? That's how bad he wants me back... Willing to destroy them if he needs be."

She let him continue on for a moment, though she didn't have a response to this topic. The Coalition would be wiped out just as bad as the Kishimasuki would be, but Humans tend to also be very self centered. However, he had a very good point. If they let an Arrancar join then they would most certainly allow her to join. She knew what her real purpose in beind alone was and she had most certainly already though of this... So why was she still playing her excuses like it was really her purpose? The girl sighed again.

"Freedom." Rui said, though it was barely audible at all. In response to his very intuitive mind, her eyes closed as she sighed again. When they opened, she was looking up at the boy her face had a grim smile. "Something I had never had... So maybe freedom is my desire. Not wanting to be tied down to anyone or anything... Though the reasoning of the Gotei 13 wanting me still exists, but I truly want Freedom. Is that reason enough to be a loner?"

"Not necessarily. Soul Society kicked out any vizard, and most of them stem from there. Soul Society could get themselves cornered by the Espada, Kishi, and/or Sinners All it takes is one to hold down the Coalition while the other two pound the Gotei to nothing. An official alliance may not need to be official with the Coalition, but with the Kishi, yes. Of course, if most of the Kishi would be against such an alliance, the Gotei are screwed either way. But they'll at least cripple one organization or the other. Then again, some of the Kishi may go after one of the other two, tying some of their members down. Still, in terms of captains, the Gotei are outnumbered. And we all know that the victor is almost certainly going to be weakened from their battle or battles. The Kishi most certainly wouldn't survive an all out assault by the Gotei 13, but they will be crippled, making them easy pickings for either the Espada or the Sinners. Tanaka would fight Zer, and his members will fight the captains or their vice-captains. No matter the outcome of the leader's battle, it becomes a numbers game. Or assumed to be, since unless one actually goes out and fight everyone to get info, it's impossible to know the outcomes of each individual battle and so on. Crippling one's organization for one person, unless they have vital information that could destroy them anyway, is a good way to kill yourself and your organization. His pride would kill him and those underneath him. But if it's for any other crime, it would be a good idea on their part to just keep watch on you if join the Kishi. The same thing would be true as with if you joined the Coalition.

It's all about the bigger picture. If Tanaka isn't willing to look at it, then I guess either the humans will win, or the Espada and Sinners, or the Kishi. And this world will become a darker, meaner place more than likely. Either way, the Gotei gets wiped out." He countered her. Everything else went as stated.

He stared at her as she spoke again. Something stirred within him, though he wasn't sure what. He was right on his guess. Something that one never had...something that should be the right of every being, or least that was said to be...was freedom worth fighting for? Yes. But what about being a loner? "Worth fighting for, sure. Being a loner...who knows? Is it for you?"

Arisu stared at the boy a long moment, before closing her eyes and giving a small chuckle. He was quite the intellectual one and he understood perhaps more than she did. It was soothing to know she wasn't the only one who could speak these troubles, despite how naive they are. Both the Gotei Thirteen and the Kishimasuki are naive in the fact that they aren't allies, simply because of the Gotei's inability to accept the mask that the Vizards wear. Or the inability to realize that most of the Vizards haven't chosen to be what they are, but were forced. It made her happy to be able to speak this with someone, even if that someone was an Arrancar. Odd, how she defies the Soul Society even now, with whom she takes comfort with.

"If the Gotei Thirteen gets wiped out then most of the Worlds will be darker and the Coalition will be screwed. They will have no way of defending against the armies that would corrupt the worlds, the Kishimasuki might... But would they truly be able to stop the Sinners and the Arrancar? No, we would most definitely have a hand full trying to defend ourselves." She opens her eyes and looks back at the boy sitting across from her, the harshness in her eyes seemed to have diminished completely.

What was he asking now? If she wanted to be a loner? Perhaps not, but being tied down to something like the Gotei, Coalition or the Kishimasuki? She would never allow herself to do anything of the sort. However, wouldn't the same question be directed to the Arrancar himself? A frown came to her lips as she thought this through. "I am a loner by default. My freedom revolves around me being a loner, does it not? I cannot allow myself to be tied to another Organization, so by default I am a loner no doubt. But what about you, Rui? Are you not the same as me? You sit here instead of belonging to an organization, even the Coalition whom have accepted one of your kind already."

Rui shrugged. "It would depend on how much damage the Gotei does to one or both organizations or all three, and then the outcome of the Sinners or Espada using some of their members in holding down the Coalition. The outcome would still be obscure. Depending on how I feel at the time...I might be able to turn the tide and do myself a favor in the process." When he said that last bit, he was refering to those that worshiped him as a god. They would do anything he told them to. When she opened her eyes, the harshness was mostly gone if not all. Had she warmed up to him? She spoke some more.

Rui smiled. She was also a smart one. But he already knew his answer. And countered her own. "Being free and being a loner are two different things. Freedom is worth fighting for, but is it alright to be alone in the process? In some ways, perhaps we are alike, even have similar experiences. My reasons, however, is far different. I could join the Coalition, since I most certainly don't belong with the Espada, though for different reasons. But why should I join? I have an army at my disposal. Granted, they're not very strong, with only two Vasto Lorde's at most, but I still have quite the number of hollows willing to do whatever I please. I have insulation if need be. What do they have to offer me besides protection? I can hide perfectly well on my own here in the World of the Living. Only when a fight comes up does my constant migraine ruins my concentration, thus allowing me to be revealed unless I expend energy before hand.

As far as why not join Grand and his renewed Espada? Well...I'm rather famous by a nickname that I despise with a passion. I've been called it twice today, I'd rather not be called that a third time today or I'll explode. But I am perhaps the first created arrancar of them all. The experiment had a side effect..." Before he continued, Rui stood and took off his sweatshirt and undershirt to reveal bare skin. And no hollow's hole, perhaps confirming her earlier thoughts and backing his words up earlier. "Having a heart...yet I'm an arrancar, a being born from a hollow, which has no heart. Am I really an arrancar or a hollow? I'm either a supposed god or an abomination among monsters that needs to be destroyed according to those same things that I live in the same world in. Some have come for my power, betraying me. Others came to worship me as something I'm not. Others still came for my head for one reason or another."

Slowly, he walked over to her, kneeling down and grabbing her hand gently. He moved it to where his heart supposedly was. "The question that I'm trying to answer...what am I? An arrancar? An abomination? A sick joke? What?" While starting off strong, it soon tapered off to a whisper. Tears started to form, but never left his crimson eyes. Tears that confused him as much as he was confused about himself. Perhaps that was the reason for them...

The boy had an ego, didn't he? He himself could sway the outcome of a battle? This made the girl give a small smirk of amusement as she let him continue in silence. When he took a pause, she slid a comment in. "This particular outcome, you have developed, would also depend on if your Espada friends were smart. They themselves would need to ally themselves with the Sinners and coordinate a very specific and calculated plan. Even then, would it truly be smart to trust Sinners? Once the two organizations wiped out the remainder of the Kishi and Gotei, then came back to finish of the Coalition, would the Sinners stick with their arrangement? Or would they continue on to the Espada?"

She listened to his next comment and frowned, holding back a growl. "Do I have a choice? I cannot allow myself to be tied down to those organizations, just in case your dooms day scenario would happen. However, who else is there to accompany me out here? So being free means I have to be a loner..." Her reasoning was definitely off, but she didn't really realize that. He continued on to his answer for why he was alone and she continued to frown at the boy. "So your saying that your alone, because no one has anything to offer you?" she scowls and looks away from the boy. How could he do that to himself? He's giving up friends, because they didn't offer him anything. He was so much more lost than she was.

When the kid stood up, her eyes moved back to him and watched him remove his shirts. Her eyes widened for a split second, before her facial features went immediately back to emotionless. She whispered her confirmation. "No Hollow hole..." Suddenly he was in front of her and reaching for her, she freaked out for half a second. Her hand unsheathed her beating heart zanpaktō and swung it instinctively. Luckily her mind was quick to catch up with her and she stopped the blade the moment it touched his skin. She realized what he was trying to do by what he said, and slowly took her free hand to press it against his chest.

"You aren't a sick joke, Rui. The man who did that to you, was simply trying to make Hollows feel again. Which, obviously he succeeded in. You should take pride in the fact that you have a heart. It means you are better than the other Arrancar, you are capable of more than they are and that is why they hunt you so. They are simply jealous of the fact that you have a heart. Take a look at my Chishio Maejirase, here and it's decorative look. A heart. Something you two have in common, eh? Take pride in your heart."

She counterargued him again. But he continued on as stated. Rui didn't even flinch as the sword came in, stopping when it touched his shoulder. His hierro is pathetically weak, practically nonexistant. A tiny trickle of blood ran down to the elbow. Once the blade was moved away, that tiny cut would heal almost instantly because of how small it was. Rui didn't even feel it. Living with a constant migraine made his pain tolerance insanely high. She responded to the last bit. He looked at her zanpakutou. That must be Chishio Maejirase. She was right. It may not have been much, but it did succeed in its intent. He gave a small smile. "I still don't know what it means. Somehow I doubt that was their intent...but considering what I saw that transformed me...it is possible...thanks..." What he saw just before he transformed was not pretty.

He seperated from her and at least put on the white undershirt. Wiping away the formed but not flowing tears, he continued with what she said. "Grand Chat is far from stupid. He's been recruiting for those strong enough. Frankly, I'm a little surprised he hasn't found me yet and tried his luck with me. He is the type to attempt it, whether or not he would succeed, even I'm not sure unless or until I meet him. I don't have much of a profile on the Sinner's leader. They're more unknown to me than the rest just because it is so much harder to find out more about them. And the occasional one that does slip out tends to not have anything useful. So they are a wild card. Again though, it would depend on their leader and his or her competency. Not knowing at least their name bothers me..."

He's always tracked the big players. The one that he doesn't even know the name of, because of the difficulty of the place needed to get there, bothered him a lot. He doesn't know what to expect from them. Rui continued on with the other bit.

"Who says you have to join an organization to not be a loner? Friends...what does that even mean?...are a possibility. Even if they join the Coalition or Kishi, and you don't, would they still be your friend and still hang out with you or something on their off time?" He paused and tried to bury his face, which was blushing, into his arms and knees. "How would you even go about making friends..." The sentence was a bit muffled, but there. But there was even more. "After so many betrayels...how could one even trust another..."

Her eyes slowly watched as the small trickle of blood ran down the boy's arm, she was mildly surprised that such a light movement would cut his skin. His hierro must be pathetic, but in compensation his regeneration must be incredibly quick. Her eyes then closed and a smile came to her lips as she gave a small chuckle, "Even if he didn't do it for that purpose, either way it is a blessing..." Her eyes opened to look up into his. "Your welcome... Rui Herutsu." She said his name as if recognizing him as finally welcoming the thought of him as a friend or ally. Her eyes may have even shown the softness that her voice spoke aloud. However, they quickly flashed back to their typical cold look as she looked away with a huff. "But don't go getting all sentimental with me."

Her eyes flickered back to him, a smile forming on her lips at the kid's back. She didn't know why, but she had this feeling that she could trust him... It was a comforting thought that she could finally talk to someone without them trying to kill or capture her. For that small moment that he was walking away from her she had a thought that scared her. She hadn't had anyone like that in her life since that Shinigami Captain had died. Was Rui... a friend? Her eyes quickly went back to their normal state and she shook the thoughts from her mind the moment Rui looked back at her and continued to speak. But, she couldn't keep the smile from forming again as she responded.

"Perhaps he isn't stupid, but can he trust the Sinners? They are hellspawn after all. Tell me, Rui Herutsu, what is the difference between a Sinner and a Hollow? Hollows were simply the spirits of humans that Shinigami couldn't preform the konsō on. They were not evil beings, simply had bad luck. A sinner was a human that, when they died, were so evil in life that they were locked beyond the doors of hell. They then gained power enough to escape and become what we know as Sinners. Would you trust the likes of someone with no moral codes, like a Sinner? If Grand Chat is as smart as you say he is, he shouldn't trust the word of the Sinners. As for their hierarchy, I cannot say I know anymore than you do. They are shrouded and hard to find, indeed."

She chose to ignore the fact that he didn't know if he would join Grand if he had the chance... She didn't want to think of what that would mean between their relationship. Instead, she chose to continue the next topic that he had moved onto. "You couldn't understand my situation, if you believe that that is an option. Being a friend with me would only bring upon the dislike of the Gotei 13. I wouldn't want that on anyone." Her eyes watched him closely as he hid his face from her. "To tell you the truth, Rui, I wouldn't know myself... I have never found myself trusting in anyone since I have left the Soul Society."

Rui countered the Sinner arguement, but didn't comment on his personal dilemma. "That is an individual thing. Yes, they were terrible humans, but who to say they're not trustworthy? They killed, they maimed, they raped, but whose to say they backstabbed or not? There cannot be an organization without at least a little bit of trust. It would depend upon the Sinner's leader and their goal. Without meeting both personally, you can't entirely rule it out. Me, personally, would have to meet one that didn't try to kill me before I could really say. It's bad to stereotype against a particular race. Most times, there is always those few that don't follow such a thing. Look at me. I'm an arrancar, but am I evil? I'm clearly not hollow. Do I kill humans just for enjoyment? I haven't even laid a hand on one since I first became a hollow. Though that part of my memory is really fuzzy. You can't really assume anything. Look at us. A vizard and an arrancar. We should be at each other's throats, yet here we are, talking civilly. As if we were the same race."

She continued with her situation. He only tilted his head in curiosity, unburying it slightly. Then fully as she finished. "Your situation...what makes it so special? Dislike of the entire Gotei I find hard to believe unless you actually did something to all of the captains that made them hate you. Like what Aizen did. You wanted freedom, so you left...but if that's the case, why join the Gotei 13 in the first place? Even if they tried recruiting you, unless you did something horrifyingly wrong in their book, you would still have the final say, wouldn't you? If you're a noble, I somehow doubt the Gotei would interfere with their affairs. Even a very high ranking one probably couldn't get them to interfere unless it would coincide with Soul Society's interests. But you're no threat to humans, you're not unbalancing things, you're not raising an army to fight them."

Afterwards, he blushed a little bit, and started to wave his hands defensively. "I don't mean to be privy or anything. We do barely know each other after all..."

"Now who ever said that Hollows were even close to evil beings? Or that they killed humans for the fun of it? I don't believe that I did, at all. Now that isn't to say that some of them may have turned out that way, but it's mostly instinct. Like Human Nature, only... Hollow nature. However, would you seriously trust someone is a murderer, rapist or anything like that from the get go? You would give your back to a Sinner? I know that I wouldn't trust a Sinner at all... They'd really have to prove themselves to me, even then I wouldn't trust one. Hollows are different, I could trust a Hollow a hell of a lot easier than a Sinner... Not like I can trust anyone very easily."

She wasn't even really attempting to argue the fact anymore, she was now simply musing herself. Keeping a conversation going was the only real motive she had. The girl hadn't spoken to someone in a friendly manner since she had left the Royal Palace and it was a relief to finally have a conversation. However, when the boy decided to ask upon her situation she frowned. She didn't like where he was going with it, leaving her no real room to make anything up... There was only the truth in the matter and she was afraid of where that would lead to. Would the Arrancar perk up and try to kill or capture her like everyone else she tried to trust? She didn't like the odds.

"You want the truth, Arrancar?" The girl's hand moved to hold her sword tightly, just in case. "I am wanted so badly, not because I insulted a Captain or whatever. I am wanted because I am the Soul King's Daughter..." She let that hang there for a moment in silence, she wanted to see his reaction to what she said. What is there to say after a bomb like that? She wouldn't know what to say, so hopefully he would be smarter and quicker than her. Come up with something to ignore the subject with or even attack her so she would stop worrying when he was going to backstab her.

Rui shrugged. "That's the stereotype about hollows, isn't it? And some go against their own instinct. But I suppose it is common enough to call it Hollow Nature. Either way, trust needs to be earned, no matter who it is. Certainly, it would be more difficult to trust someone like that. In the Underground, organized crime, trust is everything. Betray that trust, you'll end up dead. Yet they always manage. You have a moral code, where they do not. The Espada and the Sinners are like the organized crime of the world. If they wish to survive, they need trust. Which will be hard to actually form without a few organized operations on one side or the other."

Rui then waited for her situation if she wished to speak of it. And she did. The boy looked at her with a blank expression. Blink once. Blink twice. Cue jaw drop. Cue paling. He was expecting a lot of things...but certainly not that. He tried to speak, but no words came out. After five long minutes that seemed like years to him, the blond finally spoke. "I-I was expecting a lot of things...b-but not t-that! Although the want or need for freedom now makes a lot more sense now...but wow...I honestly have no idea how to respond to that..." It was then he saw her hand on her katana. Was she serious? Was she really going to try to kill him? His expression turned solid, and gulped. His migraine skyrocketed just enough to allow a tiny bit of his power slip. By far not his full amount, but some. "You're...not gonna try to kill me...are you? Just because I know your secret?"

He was having a pleasant conversation, one that he haven't had in a long time. "I really don't want to have this pleasant talk to degenerate into a fight...it's been a long time since I've had one of these..." Rui made no move to reach for his sword, no hostile action or anything that could be percieved as a hostile intention.

Arisu gave a light grin and shook her head. "Aye, but doesn't any Organized Crime Groups trust only themselves? Sure they pay off people in high and low places, but in a sense they are apart of the Organized Crime. The people in those groups don't trust or hold faith in people outside of their group. In the same way, the Sinners may have a fragile trust with themselves, but they are most likely happy to kill anyone outside of that group. All it would take is the Kill Order or one extremely pissed off demon, then all of a sudden that happy-go-lucky truce with the Sinners will inevitably kill the Arrancars. A risk that I would not be easy to ignore, whether or not I needed the Sinners aid to defeat the other Organizations. Trust is simply something you can't cling to tightly when it comes to Sinners, my friend... There is a reason why they are called Sinners."

Almost the exact reaction she was expecting from someone who had no clue who she was. However, even though she was expecting something like that, it didn't make it easier to handle. It made her uncomfortable and even a bit shy, blushing a bit at the cheeks. She turned her gaze and her hand tightened even more around her precious zanpaktō. "I am glad you can understand my need to be a loner, the reason the Gotei Thirteen would stop at nothing to obtain my person. The King demands it." Her eyes follow his to her sword and sighs, slowly relinquishing her grip on it. "No... Sorry. I just get paranoid and it was a mere precaution in case you decided to attack me. Sorry." She said, a small smile coming to her lips once more. Maybe she could trust this Arrancar.

Her smile slowly came back fully as he continued to speak, make no hostile action towards her at all. She felt comfortable enough to actually set the sword aside completely. "Believe me, this is the first conversation I've had with anyone in a long time, that didn't lead into a fight. If it is in my power to make sure we stay docile, then by god we won't fight. It's nice to speak with someone who isn't instantly swinging their sword at me." She leaned back against the wall and relaxed completely, even closed her eyes a little. A sigh escaped her lips, before she peeked at him. "I'm happy you're here, kid." she gave a grin at him, using kid as a kind of joke... Knowing he was older than she, technically.