[Log] 22 - Edge of Consequence
Date: 09-27-08
Characters: Aizen, Ulquiorra, Yammy
Summary: Ulquiorra and Yammy return to Las Noches to report the results of their mission to Aizen.
-=[Asiento del Dios - Las Noches]=----------------------------------------------
He has not spoken a word since they had arrived back at the white fortress. If Yammy has gotten over his grumblings about the disappointing challenge of a battle he had been made to fight then he might notice the careful silence that Ulquiorra has enveloped himself in as they walk the halls. It's a dead calm, distinctly different from his usual quiet, the calm of a massacre after all blood has been shed.
Only gradually does it ease as they approach the massive doors of the throne room, and once they have passed the threshold and made way towards the center of the room to stand before the immensely tall block of white, the Cuarta Espada finally breaks his silence, bowing, his right hand slipped out from his pocket, fist set upon his chest as he dips his head. "Aizen-sama."
Yammy, get over grumbling that fast? No in the trip back he's still housed a obvious foul mood on his face. The quiet is only barely registered. He just assumes his fellow is equally disappointed at their prey. Even if he didn't get forced to look a fool over attritioning tactics. The silence is mutual this time, the largest Espada only sometimes muttering a incoherent grumble during the whole trip back.
Upon entry to the throne room Yammy ceases actively annoying himself, and does his usual awkward half-bow as Ulquiorra bows. He at least has the sense to stay quiet now, even if an annoyed look still haunts his features.
In its most empty state, the Lord's throne room seemed to breed shadows. They grew almost as if they were alive, dancing almost tauntingly from corner to corner. Without the usual lively presence of his Espada, Aizen found himself enjoying the silence, appreciating the emptiness and the distance he had placed between himself and those who were little more than annoying insects.
From his throne, Aizen looked down upon his children, though his face showed no indication of the thoughts behind those cold eyes. If he was pleased with their efficiency, he said nothing of the sort. If he was grateful for their loyalty and precision, one could only guess. Those feelings could wait. Though he was their Lord and often seemed all-seeing, he knew little of the conflict in the white sands. Only that they had returned, which could only mean their mission had been completed. Only a fool would come before him to report failure.
"Is it done?"
Ulquiorra knows this. There are very few instances where Aizen has been understanding in the incompletion of a mission, such as the first meeting with the Kurosaki boy. Ulquiorra hated to fail mission objectives just as much as his lord who disapproved of such failures. It had been a simple task set before them, and yet the outcome had not been one that he could feel secure in believing. His eyes see everything that is. And in that moment that he saw Alyon's body shatter, he felt that something was wrong.
"...Such is what I would like to believe, however I have been unable to convince myself of that," he begrudgingly admits.
Yammy had just nodded at the question their Lord has asked. ...Then Ulquiorra gives his answer. At this the large Espada perks up slightly, a curious look crossing his face. He hadn't been watching when Ulquiorra made the killing blow. It would seem he missed something.
The possibility that they failed grates on him. Even worse is the idea of having to waste time in such a boring fight a second time. Still, for the moment he pushes those thoughts out of his head, and glances down-and-sideways to Ulquiorra for a moment, before his gaze resettles onto their Lord to see what his reaction will be.
There were those in Aizen's service for whom such a reply would be fatal. Yet Ulquiorra had proven himself useful in countless ways and was one of the few of Aizen's children who had managed to gain a measure of the Lord's trust. He was too valuable a commodity to kill for his uncertainty.
There is only the slightest change in his posture, a brief shift forward, though he still maintained an ultimately casual air. Yet all the while, despite the illusion that he continued to lounge comfortably against the back of his throne, there was no doubt that something about the man had become suddenly deadly. The distinct impression of a coiled snake preparing to strike.
The Lord reserved judgement, simply fixing his gaze upon Ulquiorra. "Go on."
Although he does not see Yammy's response, he feels the larger Espada's attention shift towards him. Ulquiorra lifts his gaze back up towards Aizen, knowing well he's treaded dangerous grounds with his response. He does not keep his lord waiting.
"We tracked her into the depths of the Menos Forest." That in itself would provide enough information for what they would be dealing with aside from Alyon Seika. "The Menos were used to draw her into revealing herself, and we were able to engage her. Her defense was weakened by multiple Ceros, and she seemingly offered acceptance to defeat." Ulquiorra does not see the need to provide a play-by-play of every single thing that happened. "Her body crumbled shortly after my hand pierced her through as though but a shell. There was no notable change of reiatsu in the atmosphere, however, and many Menos Grande within the immediate area that it muddied the gathered presences greatly." He bows his head again. If his explanation is not enough, he will offer his eye. Still, he knows that there is no valid excuse for their failing, if indeed his gut-sense is true.
So thats why there was no body. Suddenly that oddity pops back into the gigantic Espada's mind. He hadn't really thought about that. Sadly, this seems strange even to Yammy. Perhaps especially to Yammy.
He's killed Arrancar before, more then once. He's never seen one just crumble like a shell. No, its always bloody and messy.
A deep frown crosses the often-irritable giant's face, as he again glances to Ulquiorra. This was bad news on many fronts, especially to have returned to Lord Aizen to report something like this without being sure. He'd love to ask Ulquiorra why they came back here instead of continuing the search, but even he has the sense to stay quiet right now. Instead, he forces his gaze back to their Lord, tensing up a bit instinctively.
"The Menos Forest." There is something of a smirk in the Lord's tone, though it could have easily been a figment of the imagination. It was a wise move on her part, especially when facing Ulquiorra.
There came another subtle shift in Aizen's posture, and though it did not entirely eliminate the sense of danger, he seemed a measure more reserved and less likely to strike. At least for the moment. And though his children feared the repercussions of their failures, Aizen was not fool enough to eliminate worthy soldiers for a few simple failings. To do such a thing was to weaken oneself. The Lord did not demand perfection, though it was his intention to have his children believe that he did.
"If there is a chance she is alive and may still plan to enter Rukongai, we cannot allow ourselves the luxury of believing we have won. Nor would pride allow us to let a traitor escape the hand of judgement." His smile grew, finally, into something far less dangerous. There was true amusement there now. "Show me what you saw and we will devise a plan."
"As you wish." His left hand, which has, as his right likewise remained at his side rather than hidden away in his pocket now rises towards his left eye, black-nailed fingers sliding in and around the unblinking orb. He carefully extracts it and then holds it out before him, fingers curling around it, pressing it lightly against his palm.
"See all that I have observed..." His hand clenches tightly, the orb shattering into fine dust that trails between his fingers and disappates into the air.
Yammy looks a bit less tense as their Lord relaxes, though its questionable if he's ever consciously appreciated the danger.
As the dust from Ulquiorra's eye fills the room Yammy breathes in deeply. He wants to see how this ended for himself, since he was busy watching the group of nearby rampaging Menos when it happened.
His eyes shut as he breathes in, showing a rare tranquil moment upon his massive, crude features.
The silence that followed was heavy, but not oppressively so. Aizen was simply taking the time to observe as thoroughly as necessary. And once it was all over and the Lord's eyes had opened once more, there was no trace left of his former displeasure.
"Quite an interesting ability." Having seen for himself the events in the Menos Forest, there was no question in Aizen's mind that she was not yet dead. "It is a shame that such a talent is paired with such... ignorance." With a shake of his head, the Lord rose, stepping down from on high and coming to a stop only a few steps away from his children.
"This woman is an enigma. To show such clever tactics in battle and yet lack an insight that even Yammy demonstrates." Aizen had never asked much from those he granted entrance to Los Noches. Obedience. Loyalty. For one who had betrayed his own comrades, it was only logical to weed out even the barest hints of traitorous behavior and destroy them before the seeds blossomed into rebellion.
Ulquiorra would agree with Aizen. Alyon's defensive skills were quite effective, and despite her claims in not being able to fight, she certainly proved herself able to do so. Not straight forward as most of their brethren would opt for, but her tactics were fairly sound, nonetheless. The half-helmeted Espada nods his head at Aizen's diagnosis of the situation and the Privaron that has managed to elude them.
"She seemed quite intent in proving her worth, yet her reasoning at times was contradictory." His single eye looks up at his lord who now stands much closer to them, yet remains some feet higher. "Shall we go to seek her out again? Undoubtedly she will be weak, and it will be risky for her to move in the Forest for a time."
Yammy snarls slightly at the appraisal of the fallen espada's skills, despite himself. "Can fight? All she did was try to avoid fighting. Something like that's just annoying."
Of course, anyone who saw how that fight went can probably guess Yammy's stance and views on the outcome and his opponent's potential.
After that unrequested outburst, he falls silent again. His annoyed look from earlier resurfacing on his face, especially now that its pretty much confirmed that he'll have to relive all of that again.
Aizen could always appreciate Yammy's straight forward approach to things. It was always good to have a man of Yammy's type, straight forward, brutal, and stupid. However, allowing such a man to step outside his realm of usefulness and attempt to voice an opinion was nothing more than a waste of time. Yammy was completely ignored.
The Lord nodded once for Ulquiorra's benefit. "Seek her out again while she is weak. We cannot have her enter into Soul Society." Gaze shifted finally to Yammy, if only to watch with masked amusement as the oafish Espada responded to his further orders. "However, I would rather you take care not to destroy her body completely. Perhaps Szayel Apporo might find some use for it."
The Cuarta Espada bows his head in acknowledgment of their new orders, his right arm folding to press his fist to the left of his chest again in his usual, more formal salute. He straightens and turns his head enough that his remaining eye can glance towards his bulkier comrade.
The annoyed look stays present on Yammy's face. Even he knew those orders were coming. He simply dips into his awkward half-bow again.
"As you wish, Lord Aizen." This time he wouldn't play around. Damn concerns like stealth. If two hundred Menos come after them, it'll be two hundred more things to kill. The gargantuan Espada lets his annoyance fuel his blood lust, his mood slowly building into a frenzy. When they find her again, he'll be ready. He WILL crush her this time. She made a fool of him last time, but it won't be the same this time. Her little defenses were nothing before his strength, he was after all one of Lord Aizen's chosen Espada. And Lord Aizen never made a wrong choice. He was going to prove that to her with every ounce of overabdundant force he could muster.
That had been the reaction he'd hoped for. Aizen responded with a smile, though it never quite seemed sincere. His words, finally, were directed at Yammy, pleased as he was by the large Espada's bloodlust. "I leave things in your capable hands." He then offered a nod to them both, an indication that he had nothing more to say.
"By your leave, then, Aizen-sama," Ulquiorra says with another shallow dip of his head, and with the nod given them, the half-helmeted Espada turns to make his way to the door. He doesn't cast Yammy a second glance, knowing the other Espada will follow suit once they have been dismissed.
Wordlessly Yammy turns to follow Ulquiorra, one of his hands already starting to flex. Last time the traitor had angered him. This time he'd show her the rage he didn't get to put to use last time.
And no one could hide from Ulquiorra for long. What Yammy lacked in senses seems to have just gone to his smaller superior instead. He was confident in Ulquiorra's ability to locate her. Just as confident as he was in his ability to reduce her to a fine smear.
Characters: Aizen, Ulquiorra, Yammy
Summary: Ulquiorra and Yammy return to Las Noches to report the results of their mission to Aizen.
-=[Asiento del Dios - Las Noches]=----------------------------------------------
He has not spoken a word since they had arrived back at the white fortress. If Yammy has gotten over his grumblings about the disappointing challenge of a battle he had been made to fight then he might notice the careful silence that Ulquiorra has enveloped himself in as they walk the halls. It's a dead calm, distinctly different from his usual quiet, the calm of a massacre after all blood has been shed.
Only gradually does it ease as they approach the massive doors of the throne room, and once they have passed the threshold and made way towards the center of the room to stand before the immensely tall block of white, the Cuarta Espada finally breaks his silence, bowing, his right hand slipped out from his pocket, fist set upon his chest as he dips his head. "Aizen-sama."
Yammy, get over grumbling that fast? No in the trip back he's still housed a obvious foul mood on his face. The quiet is only barely registered. He just assumes his fellow is equally disappointed at their prey. Even if he didn't get forced to look a fool over attritioning tactics. The silence is mutual this time, the largest Espada only sometimes muttering a incoherent grumble during the whole trip back.
Upon entry to the throne room Yammy ceases actively annoying himself, and does his usual awkward half-bow as Ulquiorra bows. He at least has the sense to stay quiet now, even if an annoyed look still haunts his features.
In its most empty state, the Lord's throne room seemed to breed shadows. They grew almost as if they were alive, dancing almost tauntingly from corner to corner. Without the usual lively presence of his Espada, Aizen found himself enjoying the silence, appreciating the emptiness and the distance he had placed between himself and those who were little more than annoying insects.
From his throne, Aizen looked down upon his children, though his face showed no indication of the thoughts behind those cold eyes. If he was pleased with their efficiency, he said nothing of the sort. If he was grateful for their loyalty and precision, one could only guess. Those feelings could wait. Though he was their Lord and often seemed all-seeing, he knew little of the conflict in the white sands. Only that they had returned, which could only mean their mission had been completed. Only a fool would come before him to report failure.
"Is it done?"
Ulquiorra knows this. There are very few instances where Aizen has been understanding in the incompletion of a mission, such as the first meeting with the Kurosaki boy. Ulquiorra hated to fail mission objectives just as much as his lord who disapproved of such failures. It had been a simple task set before them, and yet the outcome had not been one that he could feel secure in believing. His eyes see everything that is. And in that moment that he saw Alyon's body shatter, he felt that something was wrong.
"...Such is what I would like to believe, however I have been unable to convince myself of that," he begrudgingly admits.
Yammy had just nodded at the question their Lord has asked. ...Then Ulquiorra gives his answer. At this the large Espada perks up slightly, a curious look crossing his face. He hadn't been watching when Ulquiorra made the killing blow. It would seem he missed something.
The possibility that they failed grates on him. Even worse is the idea of having to waste time in such a boring fight a second time. Still, for the moment he pushes those thoughts out of his head, and glances down-and-sideways to Ulquiorra for a moment, before his gaze resettles onto their Lord to see what his reaction will be.
There were those in Aizen's service for whom such a reply would be fatal. Yet Ulquiorra had proven himself useful in countless ways and was one of the few of Aizen's children who had managed to gain a measure of the Lord's trust. He was too valuable a commodity to kill for his uncertainty.
There is only the slightest change in his posture, a brief shift forward, though he still maintained an ultimately casual air. Yet all the while, despite the illusion that he continued to lounge comfortably against the back of his throne, there was no doubt that something about the man had become suddenly deadly. The distinct impression of a coiled snake preparing to strike.
The Lord reserved judgement, simply fixing his gaze upon Ulquiorra. "Go on."
Although he does not see Yammy's response, he feels the larger Espada's attention shift towards him. Ulquiorra lifts his gaze back up towards Aizen, knowing well he's treaded dangerous grounds with his response. He does not keep his lord waiting.
"We tracked her into the depths of the Menos Forest." That in itself would provide enough information for what they would be dealing with aside from Alyon Seika. "The Menos were used to draw her into revealing herself, and we were able to engage her. Her defense was weakened by multiple Ceros, and she seemingly offered acceptance to defeat." Ulquiorra does not see the need to provide a play-by-play of every single thing that happened. "Her body crumbled shortly after my hand pierced her through as though but a shell. There was no notable change of reiatsu in the atmosphere, however, and many Menos Grande within the immediate area that it muddied the gathered presences greatly." He bows his head again. If his explanation is not enough, he will offer his eye. Still, he knows that there is no valid excuse for their failing, if indeed his gut-sense is true.
So thats why there was no body. Suddenly that oddity pops back into the gigantic Espada's mind. He hadn't really thought about that. Sadly, this seems strange even to Yammy. Perhaps especially to Yammy.
He's killed Arrancar before, more then once. He's never seen one just crumble like a shell. No, its always bloody and messy.
A deep frown crosses the often-irritable giant's face, as he again glances to Ulquiorra. This was bad news on many fronts, especially to have returned to Lord Aizen to report something like this without being sure. He'd love to ask Ulquiorra why they came back here instead of continuing the search, but even he has the sense to stay quiet right now. Instead, he forces his gaze back to their Lord, tensing up a bit instinctively.
"The Menos Forest." There is something of a smirk in the Lord's tone, though it could have easily been a figment of the imagination. It was a wise move on her part, especially when facing Ulquiorra.
There came another subtle shift in Aizen's posture, and though it did not entirely eliminate the sense of danger, he seemed a measure more reserved and less likely to strike. At least for the moment. And though his children feared the repercussions of their failures, Aizen was not fool enough to eliminate worthy soldiers for a few simple failings. To do such a thing was to weaken oneself. The Lord did not demand perfection, though it was his intention to have his children believe that he did.
"If there is a chance she is alive and may still plan to enter Rukongai, we cannot allow ourselves the luxury of believing we have won. Nor would pride allow us to let a traitor escape the hand of judgement." His smile grew, finally, into something far less dangerous. There was true amusement there now. "Show me what you saw and we will devise a plan."
"As you wish." His left hand, which has, as his right likewise remained at his side rather than hidden away in his pocket now rises towards his left eye, black-nailed fingers sliding in and around the unblinking orb. He carefully extracts it and then holds it out before him, fingers curling around it, pressing it lightly against his palm.
"See all that I have observed..." His hand clenches tightly, the orb shattering into fine dust that trails between his fingers and disappates into the air.
Yammy looks a bit less tense as their Lord relaxes, though its questionable if he's ever consciously appreciated the danger.
As the dust from Ulquiorra's eye fills the room Yammy breathes in deeply. He wants to see how this ended for himself, since he was busy watching the group of nearby rampaging Menos when it happened.
His eyes shut as he breathes in, showing a rare tranquil moment upon his massive, crude features.
The silence that followed was heavy, but not oppressively so. Aizen was simply taking the time to observe as thoroughly as necessary. And once it was all over and the Lord's eyes had opened once more, there was no trace left of his former displeasure.
"Quite an interesting ability." Having seen for himself the events in the Menos Forest, there was no question in Aizen's mind that she was not yet dead. "It is a shame that such a talent is paired with such... ignorance." With a shake of his head, the Lord rose, stepping down from on high and coming to a stop only a few steps away from his children.
"This woman is an enigma. To show such clever tactics in battle and yet lack an insight that even Yammy demonstrates." Aizen had never asked much from those he granted entrance to Los Noches. Obedience. Loyalty. For one who had betrayed his own comrades, it was only logical to weed out even the barest hints of traitorous behavior and destroy them before the seeds blossomed into rebellion.
Ulquiorra would agree with Aizen. Alyon's defensive skills were quite effective, and despite her claims in not being able to fight, she certainly proved herself able to do so. Not straight forward as most of their brethren would opt for, but her tactics were fairly sound, nonetheless. The half-helmeted Espada nods his head at Aizen's diagnosis of the situation and the Privaron that has managed to elude them.
"She seemed quite intent in proving her worth, yet her reasoning at times was contradictory." His single eye looks up at his lord who now stands much closer to them, yet remains some feet higher. "Shall we go to seek her out again? Undoubtedly she will be weak, and it will be risky for her to move in the Forest for a time."
Yammy snarls slightly at the appraisal of the fallen espada's skills, despite himself. "Can fight? All she did was try to avoid fighting. Something like that's just annoying."
Of course, anyone who saw how that fight went can probably guess Yammy's stance and views on the outcome and his opponent's potential.
After that unrequested outburst, he falls silent again. His annoyed look from earlier resurfacing on his face, especially now that its pretty much confirmed that he'll have to relive all of that again.
Aizen could always appreciate Yammy's straight forward approach to things. It was always good to have a man of Yammy's type, straight forward, brutal, and stupid. However, allowing such a man to step outside his realm of usefulness and attempt to voice an opinion was nothing more than a waste of time. Yammy was completely ignored.
The Lord nodded once for Ulquiorra's benefit. "Seek her out again while she is weak. We cannot have her enter into Soul Society." Gaze shifted finally to Yammy, if only to watch with masked amusement as the oafish Espada responded to his further orders. "However, I would rather you take care not to destroy her body completely. Perhaps Szayel Apporo might find some use for it."
The Cuarta Espada bows his head in acknowledgment of their new orders, his right arm folding to press his fist to the left of his chest again in his usual, more formal salute. He straightens and turns his head enough that his remaining eye can glance towards his bulkier comrade.
The annoyed look stays present on Yammy's face. Even he knew those orders were coming. He simply dips into his awkward half-bow again.
"As you wish, Lord Aizen." This time he wouldn't play around. Damn concerns like stealth. If two hundred Menos come after them, it'll be two hundred more things to kill. The gargantuan Espada lets his annoyance fuel his blood lust, his mood slowly building into a frenzy. When they find her again, he'll be ready. He WILL crush her this time. She made a fool of him last time, but it won't be the same this time. Her little defenses were nothing before his strength, he was after all one of Lord Aizen's chosen Espada. And Lord Aizen never made a wrong choice. He was going to prove that to her with every ounce of overabdundant force he could muster.
That had been the reaction he'd hoped for. Aizen responded with a smile, though it never quite seemed sincere. His words, finally, were directed at Yammy, pleased as he was by the large Espada's bloodlust. "I leave things in your capable hands." He then offered a nod to them both, an indication that he had nothing more to say.
"By your leave, then, Aizen-sama," Ulquiorra says with another shallow dip of his head, and with the nod given them, the half-helmeted Espada turns to make his way to the door. He doesn't cast Yammy a second glance, knowing the other Espada will follow suit once they have been dismissed.
Wordlessly Yammy turns to follow Ulquiorra, one of his hands already starting to flex. Last time the traitor had angered him. This time he'd show her the rage he didn't get to put to use last time.
And no one could hide from Ulquiorra for long. What Yammy lacked in senses seems to have just gone to his smaller superior instead. He was confident in Ulquiorra's ability to locate her. Just as confident as he was in his ability to reduce her to a fine smear.