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| - Did these things ever end? Neve brought her sword down for probably the fifth time today, taking out yet another Hollow. It wasn't unusual to see a few of them everyday, but now it was just getting insane. They just seemed to be one after the other. Another one with a large scorpion-like body tried to catch her from behind, but she quickly spun on her heel and took him out in one long swing. This left her unprepared when two others swung in on either side of her, leaving her open either way she turned. That wasn't good. As luck would have it, today wouldn't be her day. Before the larger of the two could end her there and then a flash pink passed before her eyes, and in less than second, they were both gone. Ladislao sheathed his sword, a proud smirk on his face. “Come on, time to stop playing around. I'm starving.” They took off back to the large inn they were currently staying in. They were probably somewhere in mid-Europe by now, and where currently residing at one of the country's bigger cities. The easier access to supplies made things more simple, but with more people came more Hollows. Unlike some of the other towns they had come across this one had no representative, which was a wonder comparing how many Hollows showed up on a regular basis. It's a good thing they were here, at least for the time being. The inn wasn't amazing, but it sufficed. In their room Helmi and Aiden were already digging into their food, and only looked up when Neve and Ladislao stepped through. “Good to see you finally made it.” Helmi held out a bowl of food, which Neve gladly took. Ladislao tossed his sword onto the bed before grabbing his some of his own food. Unlike Neve's shorter sword, his was exceptionally long and thin, almost the length of his body. They still had no clue where they were going, and Neve had yet to speak up about her idea. Finding the right time just seemed so difficult. It had been a little over two weeks since they began traveling together, and ever since the 'Cheese' incident little had happened. That is, until now. A sharp scream pierced through the air, and on reflex everyone reached for their sword. It wasn't the only one, on the ground outside sounds of chaos and panic carried up to them. They all peaked out the window to get a better look. In the streets several large Hollows were going on a rampage, destroying buildings and tossing people. Neve and Aiden dashed for the door, dropping their bracelets, while Helmi and Ladislao took the shorter route and jumped out the window. They immediately went into action. Ladislao bound two of the Hollow with a Kido spell, making it easy for Aiden to jump down and destroy their masks. Helmi flashed this way and that, confusing the creatures until she saw an opportunity to destroy them. Neve was less flashy, just destroying one here and there, trying not to get crushed. One by one, their numbers dwindled, until there were none left. Everyone had scatter from the wreckage and when they regrouped were the only ones left on the street. They sheathed their swords, all wondering what the sudden outburst was about. “What was that?” Helmi was the first to ask. “Hollows.” Ladislao answered. Who didn't see that one coming. “No, really?” “Wait.” Aiden interrupted. “Listen. Do you feel it?” He was right. Not to far off, there were more Hollows. But unlike these ones, they weren't moving towards them. They all seemed to be going the same direction: north. “Where are they going?” It was rare to have so many Hollows in one place, but to have them all moving towards the same thing, that couldn't be good. “Well, I don't want to find out. Whatever it is, it's not good.” Ladislao commented. “I don't think so.” Everyone looked at Neve. Usually she was the last person to want to do these things. “What do mean?” “I mean, someone's beckoning us. Can't you feel it? Those Hollows weren't here on accident. I'm sure of it.” “And you just want to walk right in their trap?” “I know it sounds crazy, but I've been in this situation before. If you don't participate, they'll find others ways of making you come.” Though no one would admit it, they knew it was true. “So what then? Just follow them?” Aiden spoke up. “We should split up.” Now it was his turn to receive the crazy looks. “I mean, if something happens. If one of us get hurt the others can take them by surprise and come to the rescue. But if we all get caught together, there's nothing we can do.” Everyone nodded, with the exception of Ladislao. “So, who's going with who?” He asked. “I was thinking me and Neve and you and Helmi.” Ladislao shook his head. “Not a good idea.” “Why not?” “Because you guys have more of a chance of getting hurt than we do.” “What makes you think that?” “Simple. One word. Bankai.” Aiden's eyes widened. “Wait, you mean-”“Yes, that's exactly what I mean. It's best if we divide it so me and her are on different teams, so that way the power is more balanced.” Both Neve and Aiden balked. They had no clue those two were captain class. “Fine. So who's going with who?” Neve asked. Aiden didn't skip a beat. “Me and Helmi and you and Ladislao.” She flashed him a look, to which he responded with a pleading expression. She and Ladislao got along fine, but when it came to him and Aiden, well, let's just say he got along too well with him. “Fine. I'm good with it. Anyone else?” No one spoke up. “So it's settled then.” In a flash, they all took off, heading in opposite directions. This was going to be fun. ................................................................................................................................................................................... “So, 'Helmi', interesting name, eh?” Aiden made a poor attempt at breaking the silence. They were taking a short break, both of them exhausted from running. Helmi sat on a large boulder while Aiden paced anxiously, like he always did when things were awkward. “Ya, I guess so.” She took a drink from her bottle. Things didn't look like they were going anywhere, so he figured he might as well jump right to the point. “So, how did you and Ladislao meet?” She paused, a glassy look growing in her eyes. “It's a long, long story.” “I'm all ears.” She gave him an amused smile. “Okay, but first I want to know something about you.” “What?” “What's with you and short sword over there?” “What do you mean?” “Come on, I see you giving her the googly eyes. Tell me, what's going on between you two?” Aiden blushed. “It's nothing. We're just good friends.” “And that's it?” Her devious smile reminded him of the check out woman from the inn. “Listen, it's not how you think it is. It's just . . .” He tried to think of the right way to put it. “We owe each other a lot.” He sighed. “Before I became a Kaelin, life was hard. I spent most of my childhood on the streets. My only goals were to make to it to see tomorrow. But then she came and took me away from that life, gave me hope I didn't think was possible. And I hate watching all the things that are happening to her. No one is willing to actually get to know her, they just immediately see that she'd different and don't even give her a chance. That's why . . .” He trailed off. “What?” “That's why I have to protect her. She's spent her whole life on the edge of an abyss, and I know that if I let go she'll fall into it, and once she falls, she'll never come back.” His eyes were trained on the sky, lost in his own thoughts. “Wow, wish I had someone like that.” Helmi smiled. “What about Ladislao?” “Man, do even listen to our conversations?” They both chuckled. “So, I told you what you wanted to know, now you have to tell me.” “Okay, I guess you win.” She thought for a moment, then began. “Well, let's start with the basics. First off, my real name isn't Helmi Jarnagin. It's Helmi Naritsugu.” “Naritsugu? You mean like-” “Yes, like the noble Naritsugu family. I was born into extreme wealth, but don't think my childhood was perfect. My mom died of illness when I was young, and my father, well, don't get me started on him. He had what 'anger issues', and with no one around he took it out on me. I hardly saw anyone as a child, and was never once allowed outside the manor walls. I hated life, and thought it was never going to get any better. That is, until I met him.” “Ladislao?” “Whoa, slow down, I'm not even to that part yet. I mean Anzelm Refzeth. He used to be a part of the Tianxia Guard, before he left and began traveling. I met him when some Hollows came and destroyed our manor. I was so sure I was going to die, before he stepped in front of me and saved me. After that, I pretty much fell in love with him, and we ran away together.” “Then what?” “Well, we pretty much created havoc for the nobles. We never hurt any of them, but constantly stole from them and gave it to some of the poorer Rukon citizens.” “Like Robin Hood.” “I guess you could say that. But things aren't always as perfect as they may seem. We became wanted criminals, which I didn't care about at the time, but would be a problem later on. Things seemed wonderful for the longest time, but this all changed very quickly one day. We were planning on sneaking into the Shihion's house and taking some of their more prized jewelry. But when I was near the parents bedroom, I heard something, or rather, sensed something. I wasn't alone. Someone else was in the house, and it only took me about two seconds to figure out that they weren't friendly. Assassin, to put it short. We got into a huge fight-” “Wait, I thought you didn't like the nobles?” “I don't, but that doesn't mean I want them to die. Anyways, we got into a huge fight and I just barely managed to win, and even then I still think it was just luck. But that wasn't the insane part. When I asked him who he was, he said that he was Alik Nerushimi, member of the Aretes in the Order of the Danse Macabre.” “Member of the what in the what?” “Order of the Danse Macabre. They're an extremely powerful criminal organization who've been around longer than the Tianxia Guard. The Aretes are the highest ranking members, all of them are either captain class or beyond, exactly why I think it was luck that I won that fight.” “Ouch. Sounds scary.” “Ya. But anyways, what scared me wasn't his title, it was who he said had hired him.” She paused. “Who?” “The Naritsugu family. The Shihions had found out about their corruption and threatened to turn them in to Central 46, so they hired someone to assassinate them before word could get out. After I stopped him I told Anzelm about it. I wanted to tell someone about it, but he wasn't for the idea. That's when things, as you would say, went to Hell. Going against him, I tried to tell the Shihions of what had happened. Surprisingly, they were willing to listen, but when I brought up Anzelm things took a bad turn. Apparently, without my knowing about it, he had been working for the noble families for a long time, and was using me as a pawn to get what he needed done. Suffice to say, I was pissed. I confronted him and told him that I'd turn him in if he didn't tell the truth, and he did what any logical person would do in that kind of situation.” “What?” “He tried to kill me. I barely escaped with my life and took off. I had no clue where to go or what to do. I thought about going back to the Seireitei and reporting him, and came close to doing just that. But it didn't quite work out that way.” “Let me guess, this is the part where you met Ladislao?” “Way to spoil the ending. Yes, it is, but there's more to it than that. I found the injured bodies of some Onmitsukido soldiers, and went to go check out what the commotion was about. The first thing I see it Ladislao, running from several of the recruits and one particularly violent one. One of the captains from the Guard was getting closer and I knew once he stepped in that it would all be over. I kind of felt back for him – after all, I can relate – so I stepped in and basically saved his ass. After that, we both took off for the human world, knowing we would never be welcomed in Soul Society again.” “Wait, I get why you're wanted, but what about him?” “You'll have to ask him that.” Helmi gave him a soft smile and stretched her limbs. “Well, I think story time is over. How about we get going?” Aiden stood up. They were about to take off when they felt it. Not to far away, Neve and Ladislao's energy was fluctuating, like they weren't having the easiest of times. They had been so distracted they hadn't even felt it. They flashed looks at each other before taking off in their direction. What ever was going on, it couldn't be good. ................................................................................................................................................................................... “I don't see why we need to figure what's going on. Can't we just be pretend like we never saw anything?” Ladislao complained. “What do we have to lose?” She got him there. He just turned his head and focused on their destination. “Can I ask you something?” Neve cut through the silence. “What?” “Who are you?” “Ladislao Irvine.” “You know what I mean.” Neve deadpanned. He slowed to a stop. Instead of picking up again, he plopped down on a rock, chin in hand. “It's quite the story, if I may say so. You sure you want to hear it?” She nodded and sat down across from him. “Okay, then let's begin at birth. I never knew my real parents, and was abandoned a young age.” “Like Aiden.” “Yes, but instead of living on the streets, I lived in an orphanage. I was outcast due to my strange abilities, so I had little to no friends growing up. When the time came, I tried out for the Shino Academy. I got rejected the first few times, only worsening my problems at the orphanage, but I kept trying and was eventually excepted. I don't mean to sound cocky, but I was a bit of a prodigy at the academy.” “I thought you got rejected?” He didn't pay her any attention. “Anyways, after leaving the academy three years early I joined the Onmitsukido. I worked up the ranks quickly until after enough time I finally became the commander of the Detention Unit. Things seemed perfect, I was powerful, smart, lucky, beautiful . . .” “The point?” “Oh, yes. Of course things can't stay wonderful forever. Many years after I became a commander, odd cases began to occur. Recruits sent into Hueco Mundo just stopped returning. Of course disappearing in a place like that wasn't all too surprising, but the real problem came when it wasn't just the recruits in Hueco Mundo but ones in Soul Society too. Members of both the Guard and Onmitsukido would be sent out of investigations only to never return. The most disturbing part was that we always found their clothes, but nothing else. Our commander, Viviana, was ordered to go check it out, but she was still injured from her last mission and asked me to take her place. There was no way I could refuse, and soon I had a little team assembled. Here's where my problems began.” “What do you mean?” “Well, when we were first sent to investigate we came up with nothing. No sign of any beast of anything. We were about to turn back when it happened. Something hit us, I don't know what, but next thing I know I'm out cold. Instead of dying I wake up back in my bed. When I went to ask what had happened, everyone looked at me like I was crazy. All of my team had been slaughtered, and they had assumed that I was a goner. I was officially investigated, but couldn't – correction, still can't – remember anything from that night. Things went back to normal, until something I couldn't have imagined started happening to me. I began Hollowifying.” “What?!” “You heard me. I'm sure you've heard of it, Shinigami with Hollow like powers. Vizards, I believe they're called. Anyways, the change came at the most unfortunate of time, right when I was in the middle of patrolling Maggot's Nest. Luckily, I managed to defeat my inner Hollow-” “Inner what?” “Inner Hollow. Basically a version of yourself that's what you'd be like if you were completely insane, and they reside in your inner world.” If you ask me it sounds like your Hollow won. Neve couldn't imagine a version of Ladislao that was more insane. Lord pray that day never came when his 'insane' side reared it's head. “So, after I had defeated my Hollow it didn't take long for word to get around. As you already know, Central 46 doesn't like people who are different, so they sent out orders to execute me. The next thing I know, my own men are attacking me. Even my pupil, who I had built up from the bottom, had the guts to attack me.” “Pupil?” “Yes. He was an orphan, just like me, so I felt bad for him and took him under my wing.” “What's his name.” “Severin Temperance.” Neve balked. Didn't see that one coming. “What?” “You know about that night the Onmitsukido attacked me?” “Yes . . .” “Well, the person who I fought with was named Severin.” “Interesting. It's funny how life can tie people together in the oddest of ways, isn't it?” “Ya, it is. I remember, in the hospital, my dad actually told me about you.” “Oh? And what did he say?” “He said you were a nut job.” “I'll give him points. At least he's honest.” His expression made it seem like that was a compliment. “Anyways, getting back to the story. Holding them off wasn't hard, I had years of experience they didn't. I began to make a dash for the walls, cutting down opponents along the way. But then came a problem. Not only was Severin determined to destroy me, but off in the distance one of the Guard captain was coming towards me pretty quickly. I might have been able to take on one of them alone, but I knew I couldn't handle both. At that point, I was sure I was going to be caught. But as luck would have it, before the captain could reach he was taken out, giving me the distraction I needed to defeat Severin.” “So who took out the captain?” “Guess.” She thought for a moment, and then it hit her. “Helmi?” “Ding Ding Ding, we have a winner. After I had escaped Seireitei, we met up and agreed to leave for the human world.” “Wait, if you two hate each so much, why would you leave together?” “Simple. Because survival is easier when you have someone at your back.” Neve knew he was right. Her idea earlier, about leaving for the human world alone seemed stupid. She probably wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for Aiden, chances are she would never survive in this world alone, no matter how much she wanted to pretend otherwise. In their distraction, they had lost sight of the Hollows. Neve did a scan to see if she could spot them, but no doubt about it, they were gone. She turned to Ladislao. “Do you see them?” “Nope.” They began walking forward, not sure what to do next. How could so many Hollows have just disappeared like that? But more importantly, what were they after? Then they spotted it. Off in the distance, a small flash of a large, burly beast. They immediately raced after it. Even as they got closer and closer nothing popped up. It only took a second for Ladislao to cover the ground and exterminate the Hollow, but something was still off. They could feel it in their guts. At this point, they were in the middle of some sort of field, dense woods only a quarter of a mile to their left. The grass was high and poked at their legs, but it didn't appear as if anyone had been here. Tuning their senses, they zoned in on an energy not to far from where they were at. Neve hopped over the brush and crouched down, eying the large dog they had come across. Ladislao was the first to speak up. “What is that?” “A dog.” He flashed her a look, to which she smiled. He could be condescending, so could she. Something was off. It's energy was different from most animals, and it felt familiar, but she couldn't quite put her finger of it. It was probably the same size as her, if not bigger, and it's body was painted all black, with the exception of it's head, with had a nasty scar running across the top. It didn't growl or move a muscle, it just lie there, observing them. There was something so human in his face, it sent chills down her spine. Seconds passed while they stared at each other. Neve nearly had a heart attack when Ladislao shouted. “Son of a bitch!” He grabbed her arm and leaped back. Her mind reeled, and finally she caught sight of what had surprised him. Hollows of all shapes and sizes were pouring out of the woods, quickly surrounding them in a dangerous ring of death. One must have snuck up on him, because there was a small gash in his right shoulder. “You okay?” They both had their swords drawn and were ready to fight. “Don't worry about me. Just focus on them.” Now, fighting two against fifty was not easy, no matter how powerful you are. They brought down their swords as quickly as allowed, the occasional Kido being cast here and there. Neither wanted to release there Zanpakuto, but for different reasons. Neve allowed herself one look at Ladislao, and was shocked to see that he had dawned a Hollow mask. It was marked with an intricate design and his energy completely changed, becoming more heavy and untamed. Even though they were going through Hollows like used tissues, there was no end. Cuts sprang up all over there body and they were going to need help, fast. Neve stopped for a second, taking several deep breathes. Beside her, there was whimper. She turned her head to see the very same dog from earlier hiding behind a tree, not wanting to get caught in the rampage. Then she realized something: all the Hollows stopped here. None were moving forward, but plenty were arriving. They couldn't be after them, or else they would have turned around along time ago. And no one else was here, which could only mean they were after one thing: the dog. But why would so many Hollows be after one simple dog? There was no time to think about that now. The Hollows were closing in on Ladislao, and if she didn't act soon, he'd be a goner. She prayed for a miracle, which at the moment seemed like the only thing that could save them. To her surprise, her prayers were answered, in the form of one white haired boy and scarlet beauty. “You okay?” Helmi helped her to her feet while Aiden pushed through the lines. A moment later, he tore his way out, carrying a badly injured Ladislao. “Bitch. Were you just going to leave me in there?” He directed at Neve. “I was coming back.” She retorted. In front of them, Aiden smiled. “I say we end this thing.” He held his sword above his head. “Drag Them Back to Earth, Tsukiohoro!” A thick, dense energy filled the air, and when it cleared revealed Aiden, now holding a thin gray-white sword. “Impressive. What can it do?” “Watch and see.” He pounced on the first Hollow, crushing it in less than a second. The Hollow began to gather around him, attracted to the now much higher energy. Each one pounced, but was taken out with ease. But that wasn't the curious part: it was what happened when they got close to him. Each time they got near they seemed to slow down, like something was forcing there movements to slow down. Aiden, on the other hand, did not have such a problem. He brought his sword down in quick arcs, and with each second their numbers dwindled. They tried attacking him from the back, attacking in groups, everything, but with the same effects. Finally, what little was left of them learned their lesson and took off, leaving them to rest in peace. Aiden sheathed his sword, proud at his handy work. “Nice. But I still don't still don't get what it does.” Helmi said. Aiden sat down next to her while Neve began treating Ladislao's wounds. “Tsukiohoro's abilities give me control over gravity. What you saw there was Nisshoku. It allows me to create a gravitational bubble around myself, so that anything that gets too close is trapped inside. The extreme gravity slows down their movements and allows me to easily get rid of them.” “Sounds pretty cool.” “Trust me, it's only the beginning.” Helmi took over healing, allowing Neve to take a break. “So, do we know what they were after?” Aiden asked. “I think so.” Neve turned her attention to the large dog that had been hidden behind one of the trees. It was watching them, and retreated when it knew it had been spotted. “Wait, don't tell me they were after that.” “That's my best guess.” She cautiously approached it, not wanting to startle the creature. It slowly stepped forward and met her halfway. “Aw, it's shy!” Helmi forgot about healing and reached out her hand to the large dog. It tentatively sniffed it before allowing her to pet him. “Ah, it's so cute! Let's keep him.” He licked the side of her face for reassurance. “I don't know . . .” Neve couldn't put her finger on it, but there was something incredibly off about the creature. Maybe she was just paranoid, but every instinct told her that this wasn't a good idea. “Oh, pretty please?” Helmi begged. Her and Aiden exchanged looks, he didn't seem to down with it either, but it didn't look like she was going to give up this fight easily. “Fine. Ladislao?” “As long as it doesn't get fur on my clothes.” He sat up and rubbed his head, his wounds now completely healed. “Alright then. Welcome to the family, little buddy.” She was getting way to affectionate with that dog. They all stood up and stretched out their limbs. The sun was already setting over the horizon, giving room for the coming dark night. It's amazing how much time had passed. They couldn't simply run back to the inn, the dog was way too big to carry and would never be able to keep up with them, so they settled for a leisurely stroll. Neve still felt very off, and turned to Aiden for reassurance. He gave her his best smile, which might have been his last, had she not spotted the large claw that was inches from taking off his head. She tackled him to the ground just in time for it to graze his hair. Ladislao didn't hesitate, springing into action. His long sword swung down and cut the creature in two. It seemed like a fluke, and no one had been hurt, so they brushed it off. But it wouldn't disappear that easily. A loud creaking noise filled the air, like the world's largest metal doors were being opened. Two large red doors began building in the air, rising high enough to be several stories tall. Each one was decorated with the huge top half of a skeleton, who were wrapped in bandages and chained to the door. Slowly, the huge doors creaked open. “Hell's Gate.” Neve starred in awe. She had never seen anything like it before. As the doors got wider and wider, she could feel it, a tugging in her heart. It got stronger and stronger, sending little bursts of pain through her body. There was no explanation for what was going on, and the wider the door got the sharper the pain became, until she fell to her knees, clutching her chest. She looked up at the gates. They stopped, and as she looked inside the large portal, it felt like, for like of a better term, that her body had gone to Hell. She collapsed on the thick grass, pain tearing into every cell of her body. It felt like something was trying to tear her apart from the inside out. She thrashed and screamed, wanting anything that would make the pain end. If she looked close enough, there was no doubt that it was coming from her heart. No, not her heart, that rock. Something was happening to it, and it was trying to destroy her. She could feel it. As quickly as it had arrived, it disappeared, taking the soul of the Hollow with it. Gradually, the pain subsided, and Aiden helped her up, an steady arm wrapped around her shoulder. “What was that?!” Ladislao exclaimed. Neve looked down at her body. She appeared perfectly fine, not even a scratch on her. But she could have sworn something was tearing her apart. That rock. That had been the cause. But it had never been a problem up until now. “That-that rock . . .” “What do you mean?” Aiden's eyes showed volumes of worry. “That's what was causing it. I'm not sure why, but I'm sure of it.” They flashed her odd looks. “Wonderful. Another mystery. I don't know about you guys, but I say we go home and sleep before actually giving a shit about all of this.” They all nodded. Aiden wrapped his arm around Neve's waist for support, taking off in a flash towards the inn, leaving Ladislao and Helmi to their own devices. “Aw, aren't they so cute?” “Eh, I give them a month.” And so began another long argument. Neve sat down on her bed, now exhausted and ready for bed. Today hadn't been the worst of her life, but like many others, it presented a new mystery, and brought out an old one. Now there was no way to claim it was just a simple rock. It was something; something important, something dangerous. She couldn't even begin to guess what it was. But hopefully she would find out soon, because she wasn't sure she could take anymore of this. Closing her eyes, she let her worries drift off into the wind. What ever it was, it could wait till tomorrow. Previous Chapter > Lingering Anxiety
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