With the Captains suffering casualties and heavy injuries on their side, all hope seemed to be lost... until Shinji Hirako appeared, along with the rest of the former Shinigami. Though the aid of the Vizards certainly helped to draw the battle in their favor, it seemed Aizen's power alone proved too much for them.
"Hmm now that I think of it I haven't even properly introduced myself have I? My name is Jericho Cross, Numeros number 67, and ex fraccion to the Ex 10th espada and Nnoitra Jiruga."
His introduction did serve as a momentary distraction for her from the boy in front of her, to which she responded with her soft monotone, "Nnoitra... the sexist mentally deficient Espada of Hueco Mundo... It was certainly a comedic sight seeing him get trashed by a young Shinigami kunoichi just under my own height. Being humiliated repeatedly by the former Tres during practice sessions is one thing... but being defeated by that little kunoichi Shinigami Vice-Captain, I think is a humiliation he'll never be able to bring himself to live down.", and though she was not laughing, truly she did find her recollection of that day quite amusing.
But in return she introduced herself as well, "Vaaz... the former Cuatro Espada... or at least... until I get myself back up to par since my hiatus. Haven't felt quite as I used to be... When I get back in shape, then Ulquiorra and I may have a chit-chat about seating arrangements."
"I also train this kid here a bit,"
Her attention was then turned back to the boy among them. She tilted her head at the boy staring at him observantly, "So... he is your ward. But... something... is off. A mere 'bit' of training would not suffice for what makes him stand apart from the kine.", as she walked up to him she casually extended her right clawed hand, and while it did no harm to him physically--it seemed as though her hand was reaching into another dimension within the boy. The light of his reiastu shined from around her wrist as her hand had seemingly sank wrist deep into his body. A sound could be heard from within the boy--the sound of someone grabbing onto a chain. Just as she pulled the boy's chain of fate part way out of his body. Something grabbed it and pulled it back in within him--something cold--like a freezing artic chill touched the chain and burned her hand with its biting frozen grasp.
Vaaz's eyes widened a little taken aback by this as she recoiled her right clawed hand away from the boy. But it was then she realized what was setting him apart from other humans. While the boy was a visitor, he possessed a guest within him. A spirit with an icy touch. To say the least this fascinated her.
"Surprising.", she uttered in her quiet monotone, "The visitor has a guest."
She stood there staring at the boy for a trice contemplating as she mumbled in her wonderment, "It is difficult to decide what to do. A more satisfying feast than the garden variety of Hollow, and though I did long give upon feasting on either--curiosity compels the apettite. But then again such a unique rarity--what it could do if added to my collection. Or even what I could do if experimented upon..."
"But... before I can do anything--the ice must be melted.", she uttered as a wailing formless human soul summoned forth within the palm of her right clawed hand as she reached out toward the boy with that same very hand. The agonizing, crying spirit screeched as it suddenly burst into flame, only before growing terribly silenced after its sacrifice. That clawed right hand of her now wreathed in a fiery spiritual energy as she continued to reach out toward him with that very hand once again...
Post by Mikhail Rost on May 22, 2012 4:47:13 GMT -5
The way Jericho shook his head, Mikhail guessed she wasn't with him, the two introduced themselves and it just sounded like a bunch of numbers and possibly ranks, this was confusing. Still, this was hardly the place to start a fight and if Mikhail could just get them to go maybe things would remain calm. He listened as they spoke, especially with Jericho adding the bit about training the kid, something that wasn't set in stone yet. After all, he still owed much of his traning to his Sensei.
The Arrancar spoke of someone named Nnoitra, and after Vaaz's description of him being a sexist mentally deficient espada, Mikhail didn't think he wanted to meet that person. 'Former Tres', 'Former Cuatro',... It sounded like they lost people often though Mikhail just kinda looked back and forth as they spoke, deciding not to voice any opinion on the matter.
Mikhail watched Vaaz as she approached and casually extended a clawed hand. The young man was surprised for a moment but hesitantly raised his own thinking she wanted to shake his hand. Unfortunately that wasn't her intention. Mikhail's hazel eyes widened as she reached into him and the feeling that went through him was a mix of shivering repulsion and a fearful stiffness. For a moment, he couldn't breathe, it was a stifleing sensation. He stared down fixated at the glowing emergance of a chain from his body, then something happened. A bluish hand grabbed onto the chain from within him along with a crisp freezing crackle that moved up the chain towards Vaaz's hand. It caused her to suddenly recoil from him and as she moved back Mikhail could breathe again.
"Surprising. The visitor has a guest," Vaaz said in a quiet monotone after she recovered from the shock.
Mikhail coughed and then heaved a breath. "Wha, What was that?!" He asked Vaaz, referring to her trying to reach inside him, and the man sitting nearby again looked up at him.
"Are you okay, kid? You don't look so good." Mikhail looked over at the guy momentailly more irritated because he couldn't see Vaaz or the reason for his discomfort then anything else.
Vaaz started to talk about feasting and was sounding more like the hollows that he battled at least 2-3 times a week now. ~Gonna get you, gonna eat you.~ Nothing that sounded good, but then she started pondering experimenting as well.
"But... before I can do anything--the ice must be melted." Vaaz held out her hand again and a wailing soul emerged before erupting into flames around her palm.
Mikhail wasn't going to just stand there, he took a quick step back. "Whoa, it was you!" Mikhail was referring to the pained screeching sound he had heard from the soul before.
The man with the glasses blinked with confusion and others started to look over. He meekly questioned Mikhail as his face reddened from being singled out. "What was me? I didn't do anything!"
"You're the one I heard that moaning from,... Stop that." Mikhail said to the woman and the man's face reddened more.
"Moaning, wha?" The man clutched the magazine he was holding in both hands and looked incredibly guilty.
Mikhail was really hoping he didn't have to fight here. "You can't do that here!"
The man with the glasses broke down having had enough of being berated. "Alright, I'm sorry!" He yelled and threw down the magazine. It flipped open to some racy pics that were hidden in the pages. He hid his face and tried to run out the doors of the hosptial. Mikhail glanced to the man confused for a moment himself, then down at what he threw and his face reddened slightly too, He had to force himself to look up away from the magazine.
Mikhail Rost - Human - ML:S Sobek Kurokawa -Arrancar - HL:W Kimiko Kaneko - Shinigami - ML:A Ikkaku Madarame - Shinigami - HL:S Don Kan'onji - Human - LL:A
Jericho didn't really care that she talked down about Nnoitra, he knew it was all true. Jericho actually respected the Trecera Espada unlike his Ex espada. He didn't understand it, he respected power but... Nnoitra only respected himself, he thought he was the best yet he was only the 5th. What kind of insolence was that? How could someone really consider themselves the best when there were obviously others raned above them? It aggravated him to no end. His disrespect of higher espada and, unknown to Jericho, he also hated the way he treated his fraccion. Even if theyt were weaker than Jericho himself. He actually grinned when she mentioned he was defeated by a Lieutenant. How? The espada were supposed to be able to match the Captains on equal footing weren't they? Still that bastard thought he was the best? ... Unacceptable.
She was the former Cuatro Espada!? Things were much worse than Jericho had thought. No way could he match her in combat, even if she had weakened. Maybe he could with Mikhail but that was highly unlikely. He even had said he had been beaten by many a arrancar. Then there was the fact Jericho himself was still one of the walking injured. Shit! However, she was rather arrogant in thinking she could take Ulquiorra's spot in his eyes. In fact if he was measuring her reiastu right, she was weaker than Nnoitra. Hmm, things weren't looking up for her chances at getting her position back. Then again... reiastu didn't always mean fighting prowess... "So you plan on becoming an espada again, wish I knew what that was like..." He said perhaps a little jealous. Jericho had always been a fraccion, nothing more.
Shit! It would seem she had seen through his little rouse. Damn, what was he to do now. He had to think, THINK! She seemed to be really focused on him so maybe he could quickly draw his sword and lop her arm off. That would certainly even their chances at getting out of this alive. He began to reach for his zanpakuto slowly. He didn't want to draw her attention with too much movement, there was no way he would be able to get another chance. That's when... something reached out and gripped Mikhail's chain back? What the fuck was that? Whatever it was it made the Former Cuatro leaped back from it. Jericho looked at Mikhail in shock and mumbled, "Well aren't you full of surprises?"
Sadly this seemed to only get her more interested in him. Shit! Maybe he could take him and run? No. She would obviously be faster that him. No way he could overpower her. He had to think of something... he began thinking back to what she had been saying. Maybe there was a weakness he missed but, he couldn't think of any. Jeriicho was thinking so hard and fast that he didn't even notice the man. Gah! What could he do? He owed this kid his life. She was even more interested and seemed to have tunnel vision on him. The lopping off an arm idea came back to him. He would have gone with it too but that's when it hit him. At this thought he couldn't control the wicked grin that came across his face.
"Hmm that's funny... I would think that you would be more interested in the soul of something more powerful..." He said slyly stepping in between her and Mikhail, making sure to get her attention. "In fact... getting a soul and quieting a possible enemy of your I would think would just be so... hard to resist." He continued teasing at what he hoped would be curiosity. I mean, he still wasn't really sure at the seemingly emotionless arrancar. "Hell, I would think that half of Hueco Mundo would want Nnoitra dead, and for you a possible soul to keep around eh?" This was his first time using words to stop a dispute, he really hoped it was working. At this he stopped seeing her response, oh boy was he hopeful on the results.
"You're the one I heard that moaning from,... Stop that."
"Stop struggling.", she demanded with her soft monotone as she continued to approach with her right hand reaching out wreathed in flame.
"You can't do that here!"
"I already have.", she replied with an unsettling detachment as she still drew closer. She took no notice of the perverted, addled kine running out of the building in fright from misunderstood words uttered by Mikhail.
"Hmm that's funny... I would think that you would be more interested in the soul of something more powerful..."
Jericho now chimed in, but she did not even bother to side glance in his direction as she replied simply, "It is more about utility rather than power in my case."
"In fact... getting a soul and quieting a possible enemy of your I would think would just be so... hard to resist."
She paused at his saying that, her flaming right clawed hand only but a few inches from the human boy's chest at this point. The Arrancar crow simply replied to him, "An enemy is only a perspective, something that catches one's attention enough to encompass their thoughts enough to the point of obsession. I have no such figures in my mind. I only have targets.", her unblinking red eyes turned their gaze to Jericho as she stated, "And I do not care for being strung along--get on with it."
"Hell, I would think that half of Hueco Mundo would want Nnoitra dead, and for you a possible soul to keep around eh?"
It was then she closed her right clawed hand extinguishing its flames, she then turned to Jericho, "You have my attention.", she took a step toward Jericho making her petite size all the more apparent as she then went on, "You want the boy spared, so you offer the head of the one you once served.", she deduced it, she did not see any other reason for why an Arrancar would be deminishing her seeking to claim a human soul while baiting her to seek a more powerful one. Normally while an Arrancar would not care if the human soul was claimed, and they maybe offer to aid in taking another more powerful one, but only after or during the human soul is being devoured.
Vaaz did not bother asking why he wanted his former master dead, for anyone who met Nnoitra the reasons number in the many. So, she inquired to make certain he knew what he would be getting into for aiding her in doing this, "Nnoitra is more or less a nuance--an obstacle to what I seek to reclaim. He is only a problem to me because he would insert himself into my affairs, because he would not like my being above him in rank once again. Understand, instigator, I am no where near what I was. Before I left on my hiatus from Las Noches, I could fight Nnoitra alone, that is why I was able to hold my possition until I left Hueco Mundo at large of my own accord. But fighting him alone is not a possibility now--I'm...deminished--so he is stronger than me now. It will not be an easy fight. It leads me to ask: are you willing to risk being killed by him?"
Crossing her arms under chest with her left hand under her right elbow, while her zanpakuto as it always is, remained in her left hand. Her zanpakuto's pommel rested against the back of her right shoulder, which she idly tapped the pommel against her shoulder. Vaaz went onto say, "If you are willing to risk death by his hand. Such conflicts... if taken advantage of... can strength you. Conflict strengthens us and isolation weakens us--erodes us... a lesson I've learned returning from my travels alone. That power from victory needs to be cultivated, though--once again only through conflict. It is just our way as Hollows. So, are you willing to take the risk of death at Nnoitra's feet for even more challenges afterward?"
Post by Mikhail Rost on May 28, 2012 1:41:40 GMT -5
Mikhail was still a little nervous looking as Vaaz approached him, but the other humans in the room kinda nodded approvingly as he had apparently chased off a pervert.
"Stop struggling." Vaaz demanded and Mikhail shook his head, which the humans probably just took as a disappointed gesture towards the man who ran off. Mikhail realized he was gonna have to quiet down or everyone would take notice.
Mikhail whispered, "No way, despite what you might think, I like to keep what's inside me right where it is."
Jericho started talking as Vaaz drew closer, and Mikhail's tousled hair was ruffled by a cold breeze as he considered creating a shield but there were so many people around. He started to raise his hand as hers closed in, reishi collecting around his hand. She was only inches from his chest when Jericho's words made her pause. Mikhail's hazel eyes flicked toward Jericho and then back to Vaaz, and when she finally drew her hand back and extinguished the flames, he let out a tense held in breath.
"Phew..." Mikhail brushed some slush from his hand off on his jeans from the forming ice melted slightly by Vaaz's flame.
"--get on with it." Vaaz told Jericho.
Mikhail focus had been on the flaming hand coming towards him, he hadn't heard most of the coversation. He was more worried about Vaaz's actions and the humans around him, but since it was a conversation that for the moment saved his life, he was listening intently.
"Hell I would think that half of Hueco Mundo would want Nnoitra dead, and for you a possible soul to keep around eh?"[/i]
"You have my attention. You want the boy spared, so you offer the head of the one you once served."
Mikhail looked towards Jericho questioningly, what was he planning? He didn't need to tempt Vaaz into something dangerous to him for Mikhail's sake. Between what he heard here and what little he got from Jericho while helping him this Nnoitra guy was a bad dude.
"...It leads me to ask: are you willing to risk being killed by him?" Vaaz asked Jericho.
Mikhail looked at Jericho with a bit of worry and whispered again. "What are you doing, Jericho?"
Last Edit: May 28, 2012 1:42:33 GMT -5 by Mikhail Rost
Mikhail Rost - Human - ML:S Sobek Kurokawa -Arrancar - HL:W Kimiko Kaneko - Shinigami - ML:A Ikkaku Madarame - Shinigami - HL:S Don Kan'onji - Human - LL:A
First she shrugged him off which made Jericho nervous. Then he managed to catch her eye which got him hopeful again. Finally she extinguished her flame which gave Jericho a inner sigh of relief. He had did it, he had spared Mikhail's life... for now at least. He had to admit though, the kid was definitely ballsy, and adamant about what he protected. But, it was about time someone looked out for him he guessed. Why? He wasn't really sure, he had grown to like the kid a bit he guessed. Not the strongest one on the block but, maybe it was cause he saw a little bit of himself in him. After all, he was once about as strong as Mikhail but, he had worked himself up to being where he was today. If it was true what the kid, Dai, and that wolf arrancar said... this kid would one day surpass even him. He wanted to see that day with his own eyes.
Back to Vaaz, she made sure that he knew she didn't like being dragged along and asked him to spill what he was saying. She seemed to like the idea seeing as she stopped her advance towards Mikhail's soul. At the mention that he wanted the boy spared all the emotion left his face. He had really stepped in it hadn't he? A little while ago... he would have smashed Mikhail where he stood. Had he truly fallen low... or had his eyes merely been opened? He wasn't completely sure. Arrancar's never cared about human lives, in fact, they had always consumed them and then moved on to hollow and consumed them as well. "So what if I do? It doesn't really matter does it? I offer his head and soul freely and with no guilt what so ever." He said coldly, much like she had been to him through this entire encounter.
"The fact he is a human is irrelevant." He continued and then began to address the matter at hand when she herself had continued. She went on to say she could once take him on toe to toe by her self, which only made sense seeing as she was the ex 4th espada. But, she had fallen from her power, weaker than she once was. How did that happen? How did someone who once held power equal to or greater than the other espada, and lost it? It didn't make sense. But, he could tell she hadn't been lying, in fact, he may have known about her but, just didn't realize it. She went on to say that conflicts made you stronger, which was true from his own teachings. That was when it was revealed, she had grown weaker from isolation? Perhaps this also explained her cold disposition. But, Jericho didn't truly know...
She continued on saying that was the way of the hollow. That they lost power if they didn't stay in conflict. It was the sad tale of the hollow. Beings who where strengthened by conflict yet... had to stay in conflict to keep their strength. This is what probably caused Jericho to search for battles, to bring about the annihilation of others... could he truly be a hero like Mikhail had said? Could a being, such as himself, really protect when it was strengthened by conflict? Jericho hoped so, in fact, he had seen so through that wolf-like arrancar. He could truly be that hero... he could. "You may not know me but, I happen to not care about that sort of thing. There are no downsides to a fight when you risk your life... rather it be for the thrill..." He stopped for a second and looked over to Mikhail and Back to Vaaz.
"...or to protect others, a fight is a fight. If you lose? Then you should have been better or tried harder. I don't care if someone is stronger then me, I could really care less. I will fight them, full heartily and without remorse later. This was true with the first Espada I fought, the tenth espada Gillroy. I fought him trying to seek a position under him and I succeeded, doing plenty of damage to him that he even commended me on it." He paused for a moment as he swallowed back some emotion. He had truly respected that man and may have been sad, without realizing it, when he was gone.
"I'm not saying I'm the best or that I am the strongest, I am not that arrogant. I am saying I have the convection to follow through with my actions even if I'm going in blind. If you don't believe me, look at the bandages on my body, I took on someone stronger than me to simply relieve some boredom... Sure the way I went about it was stupid but, I took him on knowing that I would lose and possibly be killed." He continued even further looking at her with his fiery red eyes, making eye contact. "I am willing to risk my life for this, the question is, are you?" He finished and then looked over at Mikhail.
"I am doing what needs to be done and probably should have been done long ago," he said his face having a kind of kindness to it that felt weird to Jericho, he had nevr been one to be kind after all. What did he mean this? Did he mean that Nnoitra should have been dethroned a long time ago? Did he mean someone protecting David for once? Or maybe... he meant he should have grown up a long time ago and stepped up for others? No one could be sure, hell, Jericho wasn't even sure himself. He was just doing what he felt was right. A weight seemed to come off his shoulders, he felt like... he was in the right. It was a nice feeling, one he hadn't felt in what seemed like ages.
There did not seem to be any visible reaction from Vaaz, she was simply silent as she stared Jericho as he explained himself in response to her questioning. In a way she found it interesting, and found it running along something she had been questioning since her return from her wanderings in solitude.
When he finished speaking she responded in her soft-spoken montone and unblinking crimson eyed stare, "Tell me... Do you find yourself changing at all? Like... that which encompasses you is changing? Like your very nature as a Hollow is beginning to manifest as something new?"
She paused contemplatively for a trice before continuing, "Gin found me as little more than lone wandering Vasto Lorde. Some find that--impressive, but I tell you now it's not--a solitary crow is a pathetic sight... And all I did was embody an indifference. I never cared. Everything I encountered I felt nothing but indifference toward. Gin's offer for power to become an Arrancar, I only did it because it was something to do. Though, it was the first time I did not simply feel indifferent, I felt indebted to him. So, I remained at Las Noches, and fought his and Aizen's enemies. But, I never really cared about any of it--the dutiful Shinigami, the rebellious Vizards, my supposed Arrancar brethern in arms--I felt nothing for any of it."
She paused again in her thoughts for a second before going on, "It is why as an Espada the Aspect of Death that I embodied was: Indifference. Each Espada embodies an Aspect of Death. Grimmjaw is Destruction in all his wrath, Yammy with all his rampaging retard strength was Rage, Nnoitra in all his trivial insecurites is Despair... We all embody something. I believe it is a trait inherited upon becoming a Hollow only that further develops as we evolve. But in any case, by the end of the last great conflict between the two dichotomies. I did not feel as indifferent as I used to, I felt affected by all that I witnessed and saw. So, I left for a time--I did not like the confusion. And as I said before, upon my return from solitude--I realized I had been deminished. It is the isolation I think that caused it, Hollows must always be thriving in conflict. But I cannot help but wonder if maybe the indifference that composed me has waned and that has attributed to it as well."
Taking in a brief deep breath and exhaling it through her angular little nose, she continued, "But, since my leaving and having returned--to this day I have felt that indifference wane even more, I have felt even more affected by things. I do not feel as I was as an Arrancar, but even more so at the very core of my being as a Hollow. It has lead me to ask a question: What can change the nature of a Hollow?"
Idly tapping the pommel of her zanpakuto on the back of her right shoulder again, she continued to voice allow her musings and ponderings, "The first day I came back to Las Noches, I asked Halibel that very question. She was... most gracious, hospitable and kind. I'm indebted to her as much as I am to Gin do to the kindness she extented to me. But I disgress. We went over several things in that conversation, but in the end she asked me what I want out of living. It dawned on me then what can change the nature of a Hollow or I guess any being is drive. Having encompassed around indifference for so long... it never occurred to me. Why would it? All of it was meaningless in my eyes in the past. Why should I have felt anything for something I did not have any true stake in otuside of a simple debt to one person?
"It has then lead me to analyze... why I even remained. The answer was simple. Loyalty. Loyalty to the one I felt indebted to. And now as my indifference continues to erode and I feel myself changing at my very core, I wondered if I was ever truly indifferent. So, when I asked myself again, what can change the nature of a Hollow--it leads to asking what is my drive--what is it I am truly seeking out of this existence... Truthfully, I do not have a clue. All I know, is I want what was mine... back.
"Why I bring all of that up is--perhaps you are feeling somewhat the same...?", she questioned in regards to some of his prier statements bringing everything full circle back to her initial inquiring, "As Hollows we are born through conflict, we survive through conflict. I only ever got to where I was by thinking of solely my self-preservation--all else meant nothing. Was it any different for you? Yet, now perspective is different, who you are and your nature as a Hollow is not quite as tangible as it once was...? An odd desire to protect a kine--", she pointed casually at Mikhail, "...whereas in the past you would have ripped him apart on whim just for feeling peckish? So... do you feel your nature changing as well?"
She sighed once again, "To at last answer your question, though. I am risking nothing. I have no intention of dying. I am a crow. I am a scavanger. Those I hunted, I caught when their guard was down in solitary moments. I feasted on groups of Hollows while they were too stupid and too busy ripping themselves apart. And those I fought and killed, I never once fought 'fairly'. A solitary crow is easy prey if they are not using their head. So, fighting Nnoitra, I'm not doing it with the thought I might die. I'm doing it because I know I can win with aid. In a way... I was hoping you would feel the same way. But, your words have shown me you have a different drive than I do. We may not be birds of a feather, but our goals are compatible at least for now."
Post by Mikhail Rost on May 30, 2012 2:35:15 GMT -5
When Vaaz pointed out that Jericho was acting protective of Mikhail, he seemed hesitant to admit it. Jericho was still unwilling to commit to the idea wholeheartedly and he balked, the emotion, the drive, leaving his face.
"So what if I do? It doesn't really matter does it?" Then he spoke of the Espada that he once served the one called Nnoitra, at least Mikhail hoped he was talking about Nnoitra and not him. "I offer his head and soul freely and with no guilt what so ever." Jericho's words were cold and negotiating. "The fact he is a human is irrelevant."
Jericho gave a speech to rival a general, and Mikhail was kinda impressed, aside from him saying that he believed that a fight was a fight depite the reasons. Mikhail had to believe that Jericho was just covering to save face in front of another Arrancar, but the day he could admit that he wanted to protect in front of another arrancar, would show real strength and conviction. "I am willing to risk my life for this, the question is, are you? I am doing what needs to be done and probably should have been done long ago."
Mikhail lowered his head slightly, it was hard not to be slightly disapointed but a part of him understood. It was like he'd seen at school, like laughing along with the bullies instead of standing up to them. It was okay Mikhail thought, 'Jericho the protector' was as foreign an idea for Jericho as caring seemed to be for Vaaz, but care she did, even if she didnt want to admit it.
Vaaz looked up at Jericho with that unblinking crimson stare, "Tell me... Do you find yourself changing at all? Like... that which encompasses you is changing? like your very nature as a Hollow is beginning to manifest as something new?"
Vaaz spoke of a man named Gin finding her and helping her grow into an arrancar. While she had only done it as 'something to do' at first she felt indebted to him, fighting his and Aizen's enemies but felt nothing for the fight. She talked about the Espada each representing an Aspect of Death. Grimmjow, Destruction. Yammy, Rage. Nnoitra, Despair... Grimmjow Mikhail's mind flashed back to a conversation with Samyeru, where he told Mikhail if he ever encountered the man named Grimmjow, to run. He didn't speak more about it but if Samyeru said to run, then Mikhail had this terrifying vision of him.
Vaaz said that her aspect was 'Indifference' however, the more she talked, the more Mikhail thought her indifference was thinning, and that it might be a way to reach her. Him and his lofty goals...
"...But in any case, by the end of the last great conflict between the two dichotomies. I did not feel as indifferent as I used to, I felt affected by all that I witnessed and saw. So, I left for a time--I did not like the confusion. And as I said before, upon my return from solitude--I realized I had been deminished. It is the isolation I think that caused it, Hollows must always be thriving in conflict. But I cannot help but wonder if maybe the indifference that composed me has waned and that has attributed to it as well."
"The first day I came back to Las Noches, I asked Halibel that very question. She was... most gracious, hospitable and kind. I'm indebted to her as much as I am to Gin do to the kindness she extented to me." Vaaz sure spoke highly of this Halibel person. In fact the way she talked made Mikhail wonder if Halibel was an arrancar at all, she didn't sound like a bad person at all.
Mikhail smiled at Vaaz barely containing a chuckle. Not mocking really but Mikhail was starting to wonder if this was some omen or something with arrancar changing their ways. He spoke quietly in an effort to not draw attention himself.
"Why would you want to be indifferent? Sounds to me like you're feeling a good amount of gratitude, thankful even to know these people that have helped you. You even wanted to repay the ones you spoke of, but fighting for their cause was meaningless to you so you did it out of loyalty. Loyalty is a good trait but not when its pursued blindly. Even your drive to take back what was yours is a sign that you care about something."
Jericho was putting on his tough guy act and it was hard for Mikhail not to just blurt out, ~Oh yeah, Jericho's totally changed, he doesn't mean that stuff at all about it not mattering if he's fighting for a reason or just for the sake of it. He's realized that those who fight with purpose are stronger by far, that the desire to protect instead of harm makes you all the more determined to win! Maybe, like him, you've found something that rings true for you. That beneath your detached attitude, you found a reason to care.~
Mikhail paid attention as best as he could through most of it but to him it sounded just a little too easy. "So, you two just gonna stroll into Hueco Mundo, beat down this Nnoitra guy, take his chair at the party and nobody else is gonna say anything? What about the ones above him? Wouldn't they want a, 'better office' so to speak?"
Mikhail Rost - Human - ML:S Sobek Kurokawa -Arrancar - HL:W Kimiko Kaneko - Shinigami - ML:A Ikkaku Madarame - Shinigami - HL:S Don Kan'onji - Human - LL:A
Jericho had to admit, now that he actually thought about it that he had changed. Her story was certainly interesting and certainly one worth listening to. She had felt indifferent to everything in her life. She only did the things she did out of loyalty, following blindly for a cause she did not believe in. This brought a thought to Jericho's head, did he truly want the goal to go the way it was? True he had never really given it much thought, simply following the espada with loyalty. He couldn't help thinking though... his faith in the espada had certainly been tainted. After all, at one point he thought it was the weak and stupid fraccions they kept alongside them. But, now that he thought about it... their goal wasn't truly his own. He simply followed for the power they gave him.
She did however find something that shook her. Something that truly made her feel. What it was Jericho was unsure yet, he felt like he knew. Being there at that second conflict. Was it the fact they had lost? That more members of their brethern had been slain? Or perhaps, she truly cared for those around her without realizing it? To this... Jericho was unsure, as he was unsure about quite a few things. But, she had decided to run from her problems and upon coming back that she had felt weakened by the isolation. How was that possible, then again, perhaps power was like a muscle. If gone unused it is prone to atrophy, a rather disturbing thought as Jericho was currently indisposed from fighting right now.
She certainly could have fooled him that her indifference no longer plagued her, then again, perhaps it was all an act, a facade. Maybe she truly did feel things and just didn't know how to express them. Again, Jericho was unsure, he had certainly been unsure of allot recently. It truly annoyed him to no end. The question was interesting however. What can change the nature of a Hollow? Little did Jericho know, he actually had experienced something similar if not exactly like this. She went on to talk more about her return to Las Noches, and seemed incredibly fond of the espada Halibel, which was to be expected. Halibel was certainly strong among the arrancar, even ranked 3rd among them. Though... that was the old Jericho's thinking, no, this time Jericho thought something. Certainly it was never something he had thought of before.
So drive was a possible answer to her question? Thinking about this Jericho had to agree, that could certainly changed how someone ticked couldn't it? Jericho had to admit... his drive may have changed as well, not something he was proud to admit but, it was certainly true. She wanted her position back, that was certainly a drive yet, she claimed that she did not have any clue what her drive was. That was rather peculiar to him. Then again, maybe her drive wasn't simply that cut and dry as most. Seeking power and what not. That was the hollows common goal. They strove to get stronger... to feed that beast inside, to see what was behind the next door, and willing to claim lives and take their power as their own to survive to see it through. This, however seemed to have changed for both of them...
He was feeling the same way it seemed, his drive had been changing. Ever since that war he, Nnoitra. and the other fraccion had started... little by little it had begun to change. Being tempered by Dai... the wolf like arrancar with amazing power even though they seemed so close... and then there was Mikhail, strongest human he had ever met and fought to protect people and keep them safe. Seemingly no matter the race. These three... it would had become his teachers and he certainly listened to those he respected. He had learned many lessons over these couple of months. All of them, very crucial into what he had been developing into today. She ended on the high note, seeming almost arrogant in her answer.
It was quite amusing. So she had no fear of them losing, this was certainly good, didn't need people getting antsy before the fight anyhow, he was not scared either. Perhaps it was each others confidence that made them think they could win or maybe it was fated they would meet today. Then again, Jericho didn't ever really give much thought to faith. He was about to speak when he was cut off by Mikhail. He stopped himself and listened, the human had indeed earned his respect, at least, for now. He went on to point out how she seemed to have lost her indifference. Seeking to claim what was hers once again. To this, Jericho couldn't help chuckling under his breath. The kid had certainly been paying attention and knew his stuff. It was... interesting.
"To answer your question... yes I feel as though my hollow nature is changing... you are right, the old me would have no qualms about stopping the kids head in. I sought to grow strong and destroy weakness. That was my drive. If I had to say what my aspect was it was probably either arrogance or insecurity. Crushing the weakness that I once saw in myself. But, as you said I have changed. I have been protecting this boy, this is an absolute fact. Why? I'm not entirely sure... like you I have no idea what my drive has become, that causes me to do these things now of all times. I just do. You say we must always live in conflict to stay strong. While conflict does sharpen the blade, it could cause that blade to one day break." He said gesturing at the bandages on his body.
"Whether we like it or not, conflict alone can not hope to make us any stronger. Destroying the weak to get to the top is not wise. I see that now. Think about it, if we destroy all who is weaker than us, how can we ever hope to have elevated up in power at all? Granted we treat those weaker than us with some disdain but, they are truly the ones who lift us to our glory. You see, without them we are truly nothing. What we don't always see is, that they actually have the power. They just lend it to us. This human here... he saved my life and asked nothing in return. I respect him for that. Normally I would have stomped him yes but, something has clicked inside me. If I ever truly want to be an espada, I have respect those under me as much as I respect those above." He finished with a rather large sigh of relief. It was certainly nice to get that off his shoulders.
It was then that Mikhail asked yet another question. "Well of course we will stroll in, we belong there remember?" He teased a little. He couldn't really help himself. "Also the ones above him I'm pretty sure won't care as they have already risen above him and don't seem to like him anyway but, those below him might. Though... if I recall correctly im fairly certain Syazel has his castle to the way he likes it, if anything a change of office would be a bother. Celia I have no prior knowledge so I don't know how she will react. Hatter is the same situation, all I know about him is hes unpredictable. Finally there is Stark but, he seems less interested in regaining his rank, if he was he would have fought Grimjow for his seat backk along time ago." Jericho said answering the question the best he could.
The former Cuatro chose to indulge the unique human boy, Mikhail, by giving his words a listen. Though, in reality, she did not care for them. He spoke as if indifference was a bad thing, so she chose to make something very clear to him why it is not, "You should be grateful for what remaining indifference I still have.", she stated to the boy, "You are kine to me. Just like all of your kind, you are kine to me--though a unique stock among your species--still just kine. You may think indifference is a terrible thing. But look at it from another perspective. While you may see my indifference as just something of a means heartlessly kill others. It is also that same indifference that leading me to not care if that I will not be claiming either of the two souls you have in your meaty shell... So, ask yourself now--do you really want my indifference to wane any further? Do want me to care whether you live or die given how I view your kind?"
"I, myself, am even uncertain how much further I want my indifference to wane any further, because I do not know what I will become.", Vaaz admitted, "I do not know what I will change into... I do not know if the change will before the better or worse. Continued indifference is predictable, logical, and understandable... Change seldom ever is any of those things."
While she did not admit as much, or even show it with that wooden visage of hers and those unblinking crimson red eyes--she was terrified by the thought of becoming someone or something else from what she is now. She is not accustomed to change.
Though, while she listened to what Jericho had to say after the boy said his peace. There was one thing that stuck out to her that he said about the weak. She slowly arched a brow as she questioned, "Who said anything about crushing the weak...? I did not get where I am by only going after the weak. Many of those who I fought and killed, while they were disadvantaged or even at times on equal footing as myself--were just as strong if not stronger than I. The weak certainly have their purpose, but protecting them only keeps them weak. You deprive them of their ability to fend for themselves and grow stronger.
"Albeit, that is another pathway to strength. Taking on the burdens of the weak that they are otherwise they cannot accomplish. It strengthens you--yet, keeps them feeble and stagnant. Maintaining your own power above them, while appearing like the noble soul. It's a concept not all that alien to me. Though, the problem within it being obvious of risking yourself to being dragged down into their excessive troubles that can prove more the hinderance the benefit. Which is why I prefer not to practice it myself. But I understand the logic as to why you would.", therefore in the end, somewhat misunderstanding why one would want to protect those weaker than themselves as her 'logical understanding' for it being a bit more... twisted and cold... even a dash sinister.
When Mihkail questioned them just waltzing into Las Noches to destroy Nnoitra, like Jericho--she thought and stated aloud, "Of course we walk right in. We are residence there. At least, I am.", she then suggested to Jericho, "If I remember correctly, Nnoitra used to spar often to the point of exhaustion with the former Tres Espada. While the former Tres Espada is now... in a unique circumstance... nevertheless, if Nnoitra still maintains a training rountine that brings him to the point of exhaustion... That will be the most opportune time to strike. Even if he uses his Resurreccion early because of it--it's still a boon for us."
Thus making it a little more clear how Vaaz grew into power via using her head, relying on strategy and trickery. After all, as she said herself--she is a crow, creatures marked within every culture not simply as a messengers of death, but also for being crafty, devious little tricksters.