A Book By It's Cover [Malus / Shinku]

Shinku was be extra precautious these days… she wasn’t strong enough to keep the other races from hurting her and the Legion she ruled, and they had been whole-sale slaughtered, several times, in the past few months. She needed to get stronger, but the only way she knew how to do that was to feed, and that meant sending her troops out to hunt, and that meant, of course, exposing them to danger. More than that, it meant she would constantly need to be on guard for enemies who would use them to trace back to her. She had various fail safes, guards, and other various things in place that would allow her to maximize her options and chances for survival, but she still didn’t think that was enough. She needed to become stronger too, and the only way she knew that was going to happen is if she evolved… but the risks in that were so high, she wasn’t certain about that option still. Too many factors still lingered into the unknown.

For now, she simply needed to feed, and there was a single Hollow presence she felt that needed to be included in the menu. Shinku never just outright attacked even those of the Hollow race though; she watched them to make sure they weren’t someone worth taking in as an ally. She didn’t hesitate with the most basic of Hollow though; the ones that couldn’t even speak, but were more beast than person. Those type, she attacked and consumed without hesitation, knowing not only that they were incapable of being an ally simply because they lacked the mental facilities, and to save them from themselves. She knew that there was a time when she was like that; unable to discern friend from foe, or even think properly… and she knew that she wished she had been saved from that fate, even if it meant ending her existence.

The hunt team for this trip was four Okami, with the other four and the Hanta lurking through the sewers as the backup team, making an entire pack of the Legion. A formidable force in their own right, they were so much more than that; they were her eyes and ears, capable to giving Shinku information rapidly from every perspective and allowing her the ability to change tactics and make accurate judgement calls on the spot based on that information. Like just now… they were lurking in the deep shadows of the alley the Hollow had unceremoniously dumped the two humans into, watching him as he moved and spoke. Nothing but a dream? And that spiritual pressure, the way it wound its way into the humans, easing the pregnant woman and horrifying the two attackers… that was very interesting indeed.

But most importantly, he was protecting a human… from other humans, granted, but still. It showed intelligence, duty, and good-will even with a bad nature. The Okami remained hidden for now, listening and waiting, Shinku using them to observe this presence, hidden even from the other Hollow’s spiritual perception. He even went so far as to assure the woman that he would check up on her at a later date, showing compassion, while ruthless towards those who were not worth saving. Normally, she would have stopped him before he killed the humans, but in this one instance, she would let him have his snack. Once complete, she would test him, carefully.

A couple of footsteps, claws against concrete, would come from one of the deep shadows towards the end of the alley… then a pair of glowing orange eyes, reptilian slits locked onto the new Hollow, came from the noise. The movement was extremely slow, one foot moving at a time, slowing stepping into the light, showing it’s body to him slowly. It flexed it’s claws, but kept them close to its tiger-sized body, showing non-hostile intent, and approached like a wolf, wary of a fellow predator. It scratched at the ground with it’s front leg claws gently, and growled at him a bit and after a moment, it was clear what it scratched into the ground.

FOLLOW

Another growl, trying to see if he understood, and then it turned around and began to walk away, and would increase speed should he decide to join them.

The others would remain hidden, staying ready, and would trail them after they left. No need to risk more than was absolutely necessary.

739/739

When Malus finished calming the expecting mother, and let her mind bask in happier times. He wondered off to where he disposed of the bodies, a grim satisfaction leaking into him as he saw their bodies close to death as their crushed throats asphyxiated them. Wrapping his meaty tentacles into their bodies he dragged out their souls, and quickly tore into one of his right, his partner in crime's terrified screams and begging only egging him on further. Their desperate and confused cries a spice that made the meal all the more satisfactory in his mind.

He coiled the remainder to drag off to his recent abode, just in case any Shinigami decided to make their rounds around his recent kill when he spotted something that both unnerved him and piqued his curiosity. A tiger sized Hollow like creature, and was his usual greeting for any being, he plunged his power into it's soul to get a read on it. What he saw was beyond what he had ever seen in a Hollow before. A child. Or more accurately something very akin to one.

He saw a greater Hollow and many of it's kin borne from this being. A soul created for the 'Hive', and a very recent one at that. But Malus could determine little good or evil from the being before it. But from what it could see, it's 'mother' cared for her children. And there were many children to love. As he watched it's wary movements, it knelt and gave a strange series of gestures. Unfortunately Malus never bothered learning to read animals, but after seeing fragments of so many children, he thought he got the gist.

"Are you hungry child?" He asked as he tossed the soul at the creature's feet, and with a tinge of regret on a lost meal himself added, "I can't deny a family their meal. There's always more evil to hunt after all."

He'd then watch the Hollow. A passing thought crossed his mind that if the creature let him follow it, it might have only wanted him to follow in the first place. But even then, with that many souls to feed, as long as it wasn't an evil soul than he wouldn't begrudge that 'mother' Hollow he saw, the meal he was going to save for later. After all, it's only right to help those in need. But nonetheless, he wasn't going to attack first until he had more answers, and if everything worked out well it promised to be interesting.

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Current Word Count: 1136 [714 + 422]

Current GP: 22

The one key difference about the Okami was that while it certainly had a spiritual pressure that was akin to Hollow, it had no mask like they did. They were a part of Shinku in the same way that her arm or leg was, not something that could ever be truly depicted as a separate being, but at the same time, they had instincts of their own that made them capable of choices. It was an interesting arrangement to say the least, but the creature before Malus was a being of instinct more than thought, a creature capable of little more than the basest of thoughts. Shinku was not prepared to defend her creatures against a mental attack, so when his spiritual pressure plunged into the Okami, she was surprised. He wasn’t able to trace her with that, of course, but she hadn’t developed any sort of defense against it either; she would need to change that immediately.

He asked if the Okami was hungry, and called it a child. Interesting enough in and of itself, even more so was that the supplied gesture for the interaction was the other soul, given to the beast. His wording was important as well; he hunted ‘evil’, but didn’t have the distinction to separate human from Hollow and the rest. The Okami tilted it’s head at the soul, then up towards the Hollow, then shook it’s head. Shinku had never, to her knowledge, eaten a Human soul before, and she didn’t want the temptation should it prove to be more tasty than a Hollow soul for her to start hunting human souls. The beast nudged it back towards him with it’s snout, and then once he was following, broke into a light run. It would base it’s speed on his, slowing down at turns to make sure he was following properly, but the beast was naturally very fast and agile, and didn’t want to lose the Hollow.

Before long, they were on the outskirts of town where the city itself ended and the grasslands before the forest began. There, under a large, solitary tree on a hill was a deep cave, the mouth cloaked in darkness, and inside that cave, a pair of glowing purple eyes hovered as the only thing visible. She was about as ready as she could be, her own spiritual pressure poised to combat his if he tried to use his ability, but perhaps a simple warning would be enough. “I would ask you to keep your mind out of my own, if you would be so kind, stranger. My will must be my own.” There was a deep, insect-like chitter to her voice, but it was also definitely female. “I am Shinku, and I welcome you to my territory. You have my respect for protecting that woman… I too, seek out the evil in the city, but my prey is typically those of our own kind who have yet to regain thought.” That was enough information for the moment… hopefully she would learn his name in this next exchange of words. She had yet to reveal herself, as she knew even among her own kind, she had a form that was made of nightmares.


536/1275

To say that Malus was intrigued by the creature nudging the soul back to him would have been an understatement. Wrapping up the soul in one of his tentacles he watched as the creature ran off at a light pace. As he followed he worked on the soul in his grip like a dog on a chicken leg. Tearing it asunder, eagerly gnawing on it's tasty spiritual innards. After all why wast a good meal? He had a lot to think about while running. Such as what the Hollow he saw in the small snippets on memory? Or how a Hollow could give birth to creatures that were different than anything he encountered, but not strictly Hollow feeling? More like a cousin, or the difference between an animals soul and a humans ... it was interesting. But at the same time, he was excited to meet this Hollow. 

As they reached the outskirts of the town and his meal finished he saw the forest on the outskirts of town and suddenly felt a Hollow's reiatsu come out of hiding. He felt her poised for combat, but didn't sense impending harm. Merely an acceptance to defend herself and her children. Before he could form more of an opinion, he heard her voice. One at the same time alien and yet definitely feminine. A voice, interwoven with the chattering of insects that matched the flashes of what he saw through the creature 'born' from her. He wondered for a moment how she knew how his power entered the mind of her child. But it was probably something he would learn about later. But learning about her name and being welcomed into her territory he looked at her. Not at her hidden body, nor at her mind, but rather her reiatsu. The mingling of light and dark in the reiatsu that his power showed as the balance between light and dark in the soul. A color that shone out of a soul, that with a slight effort allowed him to read through the memories tied to the good and evil in the soul.

But with since he was asked not to look, he would respect her desire for privacy. Not only that but he could see as much good as neutrality in her soul. Not only that but as a mother, he wouldn't do anything to harm her nor her children. Truth was, he was a little nervous knowing that he was going to a den probably filled with hungry children, without looking into the memories of a Hollow he didn't know. But he was always a faithful human, and this was a leap of faith if anything could be considered that. 

"My name is Malus, and it is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance Shinku, and let me allay your fears. My power is simply in the seeing and showing of memories. Well that and seeing lights within the soul where the memories resonate with, no will is stolen. Nonetheless, I will respect your wishes," he said affably, before adding, "Thank you for welcoming me into your territory. I'm honored by your trust, as for the woman. I sensed a life within her, and it's against my moral code to allow an innocent to come to harm if I can save them. Same as with your children ... from what small snippets I was able to understand they are your 'children' correct? Borne from your body and connected to you somehow?"

It was something interesting. Creating spiritual life, a Hollow usually was busy with consuming souls, devouring others to fill their insatiable hunger. Creating something like what she was doing was amazingly artistic and special. Definitely something worth ensuring continued existing.  

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CWC: 1753 (1136 + 617)

CGP: 35

It seemed they were both reasonably skilled with their Spiritual Perception, as well as they both seemed to be gauging the other, trying to figure out what the next best step was. Shinku honestly had no idea what his power exactly was or how it worked, she simply knew that it had infiltrated the mind of her Okami earlier, and that was enough to make her wary of it. Still, his spiritual pressure, what she could read of it, was completely unhostile, which was surprising enough in itself coming from another Hollow. To find someone who didn’t want to hurt her, eat the members of her Legion, or otherwise cause trouble amongst her own race was a rarity indeed. But more so than that, she noticed that he had respected her wishes, and could feel the tendrils of his spiritual pressure stay around him and him alone, and that was enough that she allowed herself to relax slightly.

Then he introduced himself and explained, at least to the barest of essentials, how his ability worked, and she was able to relax a bit further. A part of her was still on guard, but not nearly to the extent that it was before. He was curious about her own ability, and she had no reason not to share, at least somewhat, of what that could be. Shinku took a few slow steps forward, her legs moving much the way a spider’s would as they brought her into the light for him to bear witness.



She had her hind-arms folded neats behind her, resting on the base of her tail, the spear like black claws laying there amicably while her forward arms and claws were still over her stomach, folded over her Hollow Hole that was where her belly button would have been. Her purple eyes shown with power, but there was no hostility from her either as she began to speak.

“If that is the case, Malus, then neither of us should be prone to fear. I do bid you to remain still for a moment.” As if on cue, the three Okami that had been tailing him at a distance ran past him at good speed, making a quick break for Shinku like a pack of wolves looking towards the Alpha for protection against a stranger, and quickly slipping behind her and vanishing within the cave along with their kin that had been with the Queen until now. For all intents and purposes, the two of them were well and truly alone, but that was not completely true as many of her tunnels ran under the very ground in which they both stood. If she needed help, she would have it quickly, and the Legion would not allow their queen to come to harm.

“In regard to your question, they are an extension of myself much like an arm or leg… a part of me, and I control them in the same way.” Vague, but the intricate details were still something she herself didn’t completely understand, so explaining it to a stranger would have just made her appear a fool, and that wouldn’t do at all. Shinku half turned and presented a single clawed arm in his direction. “I would ask that you join me under the cover of the Earth. It is not safe to remain exposed on the surface for long, with Quincy and Shinigami patrolling the city. I give you my word as the Queen of the Red Legion, you will come to no harm so long as you reside here and pose no threat to me and mine.” The truth of it rang with each word, even through the alien chitter that coated her voice and made it hard to understand fully. She had more than a few souls that had thought her threatening based solely on her appearance and voice, and those had been unfortunate meetings indeed. Without another word, however, she would turn and move into the cave and disappear into the darkness, hoping that the fellow Hollow would follow her.

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Post Word Count: 678
Thread Word Count: 1953

When Shinku stepped out of the shadows he knew why she hid herself, and if it wasn't for the fact that Malus was able to see the nature of a soul, rather than just its appearance. Or the fact that he had small snippets of memory from the creature he was following. He probably would've reacted poorly. As it was, he felt his spiritual energy flare in surprise briefly at seeing her in the flesh, as it were before it settled. He took a minuet to concentrate on her, take her in bit by bit. Rather than a knee jerk reaction. As any good scholar would do. 

Surely she was scary looking, like a monstrous spider, with way to many sharp bits. But looking at the back spear-like claws were resting calmly, with rear arms folded calmly resting over the base of her tail. Her front arms guardedly over her chest. Her violet webbing between her many legs were something that he found astounding. But her overall look gave of a weary, guarded vibe. The same feeling as if she's seen similar introductions and was sure on how it would turn out. Not that he could blame her, but she was a rare soul and one he could see goodness within. With a smile he looked into those glowing, violet orbs with his own golden eyes shining with mirth as three creatures ran past him after she bid him to stand still for a moment.

As she pointed a clawed arm at him and offered him safe passage into her territory. He gave a grin, "You truly are a luxuriant gem of a Hollow, who's definitely has a bearing of a queen. It would be an honor to visit your territory Queen Shinku."

As he followed her to the cave he mentioned something that popped into his head, "I can keep calling your creations creatures. Do they have a name? And when delving into the memories of the one I met, I sensed animalistic memories, and I'm guessing you have a hive mind. Are you like a psychic queen sharing a hive mind? And do they really have an animals mind or are they puppets? What you've done is truly inspired. I'd love, if your interested, too help you non-intrusively study them and maybe someday create intelligent creations. In a way it reminds me of something I was watching in passing on earth. But more unique and interesting."

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CWC: 2161

CGP: 43

It was interesting, because even with all the subtlety, Shinku was still able to get an adverse reaction like that from even her fellow Hollow. Certainly, many of their number were not exactly pretty, but she knew that even for the monsters that were Hollow, she had a certain bar for being something born of a nightmare that was above and beyond the others. In a way, it was a part of the reason she was able to do what she did; she could more easily see past other’s appearances because she was a walking, talking example of how wrong it was to judge a book by its cover. She gave him a few moments to allow the shock to pass, as she knew it would, as most people didn’t like looking scared when in the face of another.

But it was what he said at first that truly gave her pause. She was certainly a Queen in the same way as a Queen Bee; mother of her children, and that was where she had come up with the title originally, but the words ‘Queen Shinku’ just sounded so off to her. She wasn’t any true royalty, and he certainly didn’t have a position where he should be falling under her allegiance… it was simply a matter of her function more than position. But it did bring thoughts of trying to educate her fellows and have them see the errors in their own way, establish some sort of basic rules instead of simply survival of the fittest. Something that would enable someone like her to seek help from her own kind and survive when still trying to simply live… but establishing something like that required a great deal of power, and that was something that she certainly didn’t have.

They came to a halt in a large chasm that had a few concealed holes above that allowed some sunlight to filter in, and Shinku moved to a large stone where she rested on. “Please, Shinku is perfectly fine. I am their Queen, not yours, but I must say, it has been decades since anyone has tried to flatter me. It is… odd.” While she certainly meant what she said, there was almost a bit of humor hidden in her words, like while she did find it strange, she also found it amusing. What was even more peculiar was his interest in her Legion, not just from a mechanical ‘what can they do’ standpoint, but more than that… he was interested in what they were called, and how they worked. He was an academic, which was certainly something that she could appreciate and would do so from this point forward.

“The Okami are my ‘wolves’, the most basic of my strength, they are more instinct than intelligence, but they are quite efficient at anything I set them to do, and capable of complex tasks… like writing ‘follow’ into the concrete for another to read.” She let that sit for a moment before something else slithered slowly from the darkness, and it’s glowing red eyes locked onto Malus as it moved towards Shinku slowly. “My Hanta, here, are far more intelligent, and give guidance to the Okami, capable of making decisions on their own on the battlefield in the midst of combat, even creating strategies on their own to adapt to the unfolding events. They are the Pack Leaders.” She let a hand caress the skull of the beast before it too slithered on it’s large tail back from whence it came, the eyes fading into the darkness. "I can tell you about them to a atomic level. If you have questions, feel free. I don't mind. But I am curious... do you swear allegiance to anyone? Or are you on your own as well?" There was definitely an end game to this, because she knew that there was a chance that she could not only help him, but make things more stable for herself as well.

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Post Word Count: 665
Thread Word Count: 2618[/spoiler]

Malus followed Shinku down the caves entrance. He looked at the roots that wound into the top of the cave ceiling. It's rocky structure partly obscured in the shadows with hint of sunlight shining through. All in all, it was a decent cave. Listening to the distinctive clattering of her arachnidian legs walking ahead of him, a part of him wondered what Shinku was thinking, but it would've been rude to shake a lady out of her ruminations. That and he had some thinking of his own to do as he drunk up the sights. It wasn't everyday he met a Hollow that, much like himself, he could consider good.

It had been too long since he found a Hollow who thought more of others than itself, or it's hunger. Mostly he had to keep the few good ones placated in Bibloteca de los Perdidos, feeding them memories of their humanity, binding them to fragments of their past. All so they could hang on to small snippets of their humanity for them to be of use to him in his quest to horde knowledge and things of value. Well those that he didn't damn to their past crimes so he could feast upon them later. But this one was one of the rare non-Arrancar that thought, that felt, and more importantly thought of something more than her own self. That of her creations. It was something that both tickled his fancy as well as stoked the flames of his curiosity.

Eventually they came to a large chasm, dappled sunlight coming in from concealed holes as she sat upon a large rock, before saying with an undercurrent of humor,“Please, Shinku is perfectly fine. I am their Queen, not yours, but I must say, it has been decades since anyone has tried to flatter me. It is… odd.”

Malus gave a hearty chuckle to that, "Shinku then, but a queen is more than just a title. A true queen has poise, elegance in character, and proper bearing. And from what I can see of your soul, you have those in spades. Although I do forgive my earlier surprise, I'm not used to dealing with Hollows without first looking into their memories to gain an understanding of them ... doing things from a surface glance left me, how do you say? Flat footed? I do apologize for the momentary rudeness, I usually mind my manners better than that, as is befitting a gentleman, or as close as one can be while being a Hollow."

He then learned that the name of the first creatures were Okami. A pack animal that had as he assumed, animalistic intelligence. But nonetheless were capable of some complex actions. Much like a trained animal, but somewhat more so. As he was thinking of the implications, and categorizing that knowledge he heard a slithering sound coming from the darkness ahead of him. So her creations at the moment are all geared towards battle, in a way it makes sense. Work on defense and security before working on building a civilization, but she can be capable of so much more.

He learned it's name was a Hanta, and he couldn't help but nerdgasm before asking, "Can I touch it? It looks interesting, but I'd love to get a 'feel of it', as promised, non-invasive. But ... it's an impressive creation. The complexity alone is stupendous!"

Malus thought of the intricate detail that would go into such a thing, and the complexity of it's biological makeup, his eyes glazing over as a tiny bit of drool came out. Shaking his head he excused himself while wiping the drool with a tentacle.

When she said she could tell him about them in detail, down to the atomic level, he couldn't help it. His feet gave a giddy, waddling, dance as he let loose a loud squee. His eyes shining with little stars at the thought of all that knowledge. Making him look much like a child in a candy store that had been told they could get whatever they wanted.

After catching himself, his left foot scuffed the ground as he looked down to the side. He was sure that Hollow's couldn't blush, but wouldn't be surprised if he managed to accomplish that feat. "Ahem ... yes ... maybe once we get to a place more comfortable? But yes, I'd love to learn about your creations. I have so much to ask, and a few things that have passed my mind since I've arrived here, and got to look at the two of your creations. As for allegiances, so far my only loyalty are to my horde. My collections, or things that I wish to protect and are worth protecting. Much like that mother I just saved, I'll be keeping a close eye on her and her child when it's born from now on, after all if you save a life, you're responsible for that life. As my father once told me when I was alive."

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CWC: 2992 (2161+831)

CGP: 59

Shinku listened to his words and was once again taken back by his friendliness and flattery, and should she had been able to blush, she likely would have. “There is nothing to forgive. This form is grotesque even amongst our kind, and I have scared many poor souls into simply fighting due to how I appear. I believe the most accurate terminology was something akin to ‘living nightmare’. That poor soul was terrified, and that was after I helped him. I do hope a Shinigami found him and laid him to rest. All things considered, I think you have been quite the gentleman.” There was still a bit of humor in her voice, but the words she spoke were true as ever, as she knew all too well what her appearance was like, able to see herself through the eyes of her creations. They always looked towards her with a sense of longing and care that was akin to love of a parent, but their simple perceptions were not enough to change the fact that she was monstrous.

His words regarding her ‘poise, elegance in character and proper bearing’ went unmentioned, but it was not something she would have dismissed; Shinku simply didn’t know how to properly react to someone lavishly laying compliments towards her. His reaction to her speaking about the Hanta was something that she found most amusing, and she allowed herself a nightmarish giggle and then turned towards her slithering creature as she addressed it through more emotion than anything else. “It is as I expected… they do not feel comfortable with the idea. They are still wary of you as a possible threat and a fellow predator. However, I am knowledgeable about such things, and can speak with you about anything you would like to know about either of them, down to the atomic level.” There was a confidence there that had been born through scientific fact and nothing else, and it showed that she was not bluffing.

They were a part of her, true, but like any intellectual mind, she studied them when they had first come into being so that she could properly understand their strengths and weaknesses. She knew about them more than anyone who simply had dissected the creature ever could, because she had created them within herself with her own powers. If it was possible to smile she would be, because it was so vastly refreshing to be with someone who not only was intellectually sound and with a sense of kindness that was extremely rare, but because he seemed just a bit like a new intern walking into the laboratory of a famous scientist; in awe and wonder, an innocence that she could appreciate and enjoy. She wondered, however, about the other parts of him she didn’t know… every Hollow had something that had caused them to be the way they were… What had he lost to become this way? Should she be concerned? Afraid? She needed to know… but before she could muster the courage to broach the subject, he changed the subject, and she listened intently to his words.

“A few things… sorry, you are very eager and it will take time to answer you properly,” she started, humor and happiness in her voice and sounding foreign even to her, “as far as somewhere more comfortable, I’m afraid I cannot allow you to go further just yet. We still need to establish a foundation of trust, and I think you can agree that it is important. With that in mind, I would like to know what brought you to pass on as a Hollow instead of going to Soul Society. I realize that it is a typically sensitive subject, but if I am to understand you and trust you, I must know. Also, I find it very interesting to hear that you retained your memories from your time alive. My own were lost during Hollowfication, and I cannot even remember the beginnings of that process… I have never understood why. Perhaps learning of your history could help with such a thing.” She paused, and didn’t comment directly about the information regarding his ‘allegiances’. Typically, Hollow established a chain of command by following whoever was the strongest, but that style of things wasn’t how she liked to operate at all. Even within her Legion, the Hanta were open to make tactical suggestions and make calls without her as long as it didn’t deviate from her actual orders.

His abilities regarding memories were being hinted at in a slightly subtle manner too. Shinku was deeply interested in being able to restore her own memories, but that required a deep and profound amount of trust in the fellow Hollow, and only through this conversation could that trust be established. There was no moral high ground, no set standard in which she could extend that trust and assure it… the method in which he wanted to establish that trust was completely in his court. She had one way that she could ensure his loyalty, but that was nothing she cared to inflict as an option just yet… not until she was certain that he could be trusted.

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Post Word Count: 865
Thread Word Count: 3483

Malus grinned to know that his earlier snafu regarding his reaction to seeing Shinku was forgiven, and that he had carried himself like a gentleman. The humor in her voice gave it quite an amusing quality. One that he hoped he could hear more of, for all that her appearance as she said was a living nightmare. If one were to solely judge based on physical appearances, that'd be true. But the more he saw and heard, the more he saw that there was more to her than an insectile Hollow. It was a strange feeling to be sure, but a welcome one. But a part of him hoped along with her, that the soul could be laid to rest. The existence of Hollows, while part of the natural cycle, wasn't for everyone, and sadly many of the souls who became what they were wouldn't last long before being food for stronger Hollows. Darwinism at its most extreme.

When they got to the chasm and he got done nerding out over the awesome Hanta, he watched as Shinku wordlessly communicated with it. Taking non-verbal communication and cranking it up to eleven. Before she addressed him with an assured tone, that she could answer anything about them down to the atomic level. His giddy enthusiasm carried over. But he could understand the trust that'd require. After all he was a Hollow, and his race never had the greatest track record of not being monsters. Which is when it came to him that he was possibly over-enthusiastic, and suggested going someplace more secure. Mostly since it was her worry about being discovered, and he knew himself. Once he got started on an intellectual bender he could lose himself in his pursuit for days.

But then she brought up knowing about his past, and how important it was for her to know his past and how he came to be. It wasn't something he liked to think on in depth, his powers worked both ways and while he could easily bring up memories in others. It also ensured he could never forget, with each memory being as fresh and visceral as when it first happened when he used his powers on him. But in a way he could use this, since he never shared his past, nor the raw pain attached to it too any being before. "I...I can help you remember, but as for my past," he gave a mirthless chuckle as he gazed towards the ground, "it's not the happiest of tales, but if you'd like to hear about me. I can oblige you."

Malus sighed as his rear tentacles drooped and his tail swished listlessly, "to best understand how I became the Hollow I became, I should start at who I was as a human," Malus's eyes glowed with golden light and his body looked calm much like the woman he saved not too long ago, "I was born into minor nobility, and at a young age. Was raised that nobles weren't superior because of birth, but because of tradition. That it was our duty to better those around us, and use our connections and wealth to help those less fortunate. That it was a responsibility to act with true nobility and generosity towards the less privilege.

"Of course rather than waste my time like most of my peers. I used my wealth to learn, and gain knowledge. As well as, do as I was raised. To help the less privileged, I was in my thirties when that bit me. I had moved to the Sates, to progress my studies into the occult, when I met a man who claimed to need food and provisions for his children. The glow died down and became a hard glint, as his tentacles started to writhe violently, and his tail swished with agitation as he went to the next part. Now truly lost within his memories.

"I was a fool, who didn't know a person could or would lie about such a thing. But shortly afterwards I was a target of many robberies of an escalating nature. I was even more of a fool to have believed in the laws of man. Thinking that police would do anything to help. Eventually that person and a crew he got together killed me in my sleep and stole everything I had that could be pawned. I remember looking down at my body, seeing my bashed in skull, and following those who killed me.

"I followed them for what seemed like ages. Hoping that justice would be done, but only seeing them get away with more of the same. So many innocents stolen from, harmed, and even killed. All so that they could fuel their drug use. I felt such rage and anger at it. It consumed me to all I could think about was vengeance. That I prayed non-stop to be a Spirit of Retribution, not just for myself. But for all those they wronged, and no justice either divine or of man could stop.

Black tears ran down his face as their terror and pain flashed through his mind. Malus's body shaking with unrestrained rage and sorrow, his voice growing hoarse as he continued, "Then I became a Hollow. I saw the light of what good was within them, but even more of a heavy, ugly darkness that outweighed it. And it was like my prayers being answered. And I slew them. Forcing them to witness the horrors of their actions and a gratified feeling of revenge as I devoured their souls. I WAS JUSTICE!"

Malus felt as if the burden of his first kill lighten, filling him with a hollow emptiness. His body sagging, after catching his breath he continued, "And it was more of the same for decades. I felt most human at first when enacting retribution for the sake of others. Knowing and feeling that those I killed held good and evil within them. That killing them killed what good there was, but doing so since the evil within them outweighed the good, and if not stopped, then much like myself. Innocent beings would suffer.

"I became a Defender of Justice. A protector of those who could not protect themselves. And for a time it was enough, but eventually it felt empty. So I left for Hueco Mundo, and found something that along with that gave me my humanity in a sense. I collected knowledge and culture. Much like I did in life. Preserving and hording it, till it became the Library of the Lost it is today," Malus sighed as he looked at Shinku a weary sorrow tainting his eyes, "And that is all there is about me. My power either forces a soul to look at it's sins through the eyes of the victims. Binding them to the horrors of the past. Or it shows good and neutral memories so that a soul my heal, and remember the good. A balm to ease their suffering through the hard times as it were."

And with that Malus would allow Shinku to digest the being she let into her territory. In a way, letting others pass judgement on him was a new experience, but all he could do know was wait.

_____________

CWC: 4202 (2992+ 1210)

GP: 84

Shinku noted that it was indeed possible for her to be able to regain her memories, but that would need to take a back seat for a moment, instead she simply nodded as he said that it wasn’t a pleasant tale. “Seldom are Hollow lives pleasant, but understanding one’s roots is key to understanding them at all, and understanding is the seed of Trust.” She knew that this was asking a lot of the fellow Hollow, and she also understood that this would make or break them in regards to gaining a true alliance and friendship. If he could manage this, she would be able to lower her guard at last to him, and let him see her for who she truly was, which was the first time it had happened with anyone since she could remember.

She listened silently and intently, considering each part of his story as he went through the chronological sequence of events. He started as being a human, and she was immediately taken with how clearly he remembered his life then, the effect of age and time seeming to completely be lost on him. He was minor nobility, and again, just like before, something stirred within her that was long deep and dormant, a reaction to the status she didn’t understand. Pushing it aside again, she instead focused on his story, taking in the details and committing them to memory, looking beyond the words and into the meaning and depth behind them. She would occasionally nod to the tale, but other than showing the basic motion of understanding, would say nothing. She noted that it had been his kindness being taken advantage of as the turning point, when someone who was committed to knowledge and helping others took a turn in his story, and she could feel the frustration at the memory.

She nodded again as the story progressed, how he sought help and was turned away, unable to get the assistance that he was supposed to have as his protection. The reason why he acted the way he did was slowly becoming apparent; he had been preyed upon because he was weak and naïve, and now that he had the power to do something about it, that feeling propelled him to action. He was attached to those who killed him, watching them as they committed crime after crime with absolutely no repercussionse whatsoever, and how it drew him to madness, and still, she remained silent, digesting the story and everything that came with it. His tears, black in color, were an interesting sight… she had not known it was possible for a Hollow to cry, as there had been many times in despair or loss that she too had felt the sensation, but her body must have been designed differently, for no tears would flow.

It was interesting too that as a Hollow, he could sense not just their souls, but the good and bad of each soul individually, even if one of the two far outweighed the other. Him becoming an avatar of Justice was becoming more and more clear in it’s reasoning and purpose, and she couldn’t help but feel that he was right in his course of actions. There had been many times where she had felt that Justice had been absent, missing, in her life as a Hollow, such as when the one Shinigami had pinned her Legion down with a spell and set to slaughtering them like so many sheep. Where had been the justice then, when all she was trying to do was survive? He was an avatar of justice with the greater good in mind, and she felt confident that his story was nothing but the truth; her senses even confirmed this. She had made her decision, and waited a moment or two after he was done speaking before drawing breath to speak herself.

Quietly, she thudded with those legs off the rock and towards him, moving relatively slowly and only stopped when she was very close, bending her legs so that her massive form was level with his own so she could look him in the eyes without any tilting of either of their heads. “You are someone I feel I can trust, for the first time in my memory. Thank you for sharing your pain with me… with that, I think I can share mine as well… but I warn you… I do not know what is buried in the depths of my past. As you say, it could very well be less than pleasant.” She settled there, the equivalent of sitting, letting her large, powerful legs relax so that they could remain level with one another, not as a Queen of the Red Legion and Avatar of Justice, but as two Hollow souls that had bonded on a level she hadn’t realized was possible.

And now it was her turn.

---

PWC: 816
TWC: 4299

Malus felt surprise that his past wasn't met with scorn, but rather Shinku came down to his level and looked him in the eye offering him her trust. But more than trust, allowing him to show her the full depths of her past. Malus looked deep into her eyes, as his power flowed into her. It wasn't a forceful wave of a tide crashing upon a beaches shore. Nor was it painful. Rather like a gentle fog it enveloped her, filled her, and his mind saw flashes of her past far older than he. Going back to the formative part of her youth, and with that brought all of who she was to the surface. Letting Shinku see those events as if they just happened. Fresh, visceral, and filled with the emotions she felt at the time of their making.


Malus sat back, watching the memories unfold and Shinku verbally relived it. Usually he was selective of his use of this power on others than himself. Letting them experience a single point in time, but with these more larger plays of memories, it was best to let her talk it out. Share what she would, and enjoy or keep hidden what she wished to keep to herself. Nonetheless, he would be there for her as she experienced humanity, in all of it's highs and lows. As she had for the first time in a long time, what she lost the most. What all Hallows lost the most when they passed. Life.

_______________


CWC: 4452 (4202+250)


CGP: 89 

She felt his power reach inside her and wrap around her mind, coaxing the memories to life gently, and knew that this was probably the most vulnerable she had ever allowed herself to become. But when you were with someone you could trust, it was probably the safest she had felt as well; she knew there was danger, but she didn’t feel as though she was about to be judged, and it was refreshing.

Her mind traveled, reaching back over a hundred years to a small village that was surrounded by rice fields, nothing too spectacular, but important none the less. Shinku, a child with shocking red hair that had never before been seen with her deep brown eyes, had been raised in a home of Nobility. “Ah… it makes sense now. I too was a Noble in life. The only daughter of the family, the only child, my Mother had difficulty with me, and for some reason, my hair turned a bright red, which made me stand out. My house was the highest in my village… we were a farming village with massive fields of rice, and supplied it to a good portion of the country, and we managed them. I was… happy.” she paused, hoping that her explanation was doing the story justice. “I was well liked, and my parents taught me many things. My father was… a retired soldier, though he was young. I think he was injured. He played Shougi with me very often. My mother taught me how to rule with kindness… gently shaping the events around people so that they could make the right choices on their own… but she was frightening when upset. She could command a room just as well as my father, and people listened when she spoke.” If it was possible in this form, Shinku would be smiling, but unabated, she continued the story.

“The first ten years of my life were nothing but a blessing, but soon after, it was brought to my attention that there was a risk to the bloodline. I would have to marry another noble before long, or the Kodoku family would end with her, and their legacy and prosperity would be cast aside as the next family stepped up. They weren’t bad people, but they were weak, and would make poor leaders. I was married when I was 15, but it seemed my mother’s curse had only gotten worse with me, and I was unable to bear children, and the man who claimed he loved me cast me aside, unwilling to let his bloodline die simply because mine was doomed. The next couple of years…” she paused, her voice catching for a moment, “Was nothing but despair. I put on a smiling face for my parents and those around me, but I was dead on the inside, a failure as a human being, and it wasn’t long before my body followed, and I became seriously ill. I died shortly thereafter, but was unable to pass on, and was forced to watch as my parents soon followed suit behind me, one after the other.” If it were possible to cry, she would be, but her body wasn’t able to muster the tears, incapable of such a thing.

“After a while, my chain ripped open, and I became… this…” There was more, but she needed to breath, the emotions running through her powerful and uncontained, and she took a moment and held up a clawed hand and asked for a pause. “There is more… more that I don’t know… that I need to know… but please… give me a moment…” Her breathing was uneven and came in deep swallows of air, and it took her several moments to collect herself before she was even able to address Malus properly. She wondered idly how much he was understanding, and if reliving his own memories had been so intense and painful. She imagined, the way his powers worked, they would be, but the question went unasked, and instead she would simply address anything he had to say about the event before finally collecting herself, mentally bracing for what was to come. “My time when I first became a Hollow, when I was likely nothing but a mindless monster, is blank as well. I would like to understand it too.” It was another selfish request, she knew, but she had come this far and backing away from it now would be nothing more than an act of cowardice, which she would never allow herself to commit.

---

PWC: 757
TWC: 5056

As Shinku recalled her childhood, he watched as the happiness rolled off her in waves at her reminiscing. Even without having to see the memories himself, he could sense a whiff of the love Shinku had shared with her family. Which turned into despair as she found out that she was doomed to be barren. As her family's curse followed her as well, but to a degree that ended her family line. And he felt a burst of anger at the one who abandoned her for what was out of her control. It wasn't like royal families never adopted before, it would've been a simple thing, rather than abandon her.

He continued to listen to her tale, the light glowing from within her eyes from the happier memories, to a dull light, heavy with the sadness  he sensed radiating from her being. As she recounted the final moments leading to her becoming a Hollow. As she said she needed to wait, Malus nodded, "Reliving memories can be quite a visceral experience. I can understand needing to take a breath, take all the time you need," Malus would say compassionately. He knew just how powerful it was to experience the past as if it just happened. When she asked to see her memories as a Hollow he grimaced, "Are you sure, I've collected many Hollows, those who are or were mindless usually don't like reliving those memories. But if you want it, I'll show you them."

Malus would wait for her answer, and if she wanted it, as he thought she would, seeing the strength of her character by now. He'd let her relive everything to her moment now. But good or bad, she'd be feel the full weight of her actions. All that was too do now was all things to play out as they would.

_____________________________

CWC:  4760 (4452+308)

CGP: 95

It took a couple of minutes to get her breathing under control… a several more in which to wrap her mind around what it had seen and memorizing the details. She had been talking about more than Malus when she had spoken about knowing a person’s roots meant know who they were; she had been speaking about herself as well. Shinku was a soul that had been unable to find her origin, and it was something that had haunted her for years, but she simply had no idea how to go about obtaining that sort of information… but here was her chance. She listened as he spoke, and had to agree; visceral indeed, and she took him up on his offer, allowing herself time to get her mind right before the next experience. He spoke that it wouldn’t be pleasant, and she nodded at the idea, knowing that it would be the case. “Are you capable of viewing the images with me? I do not know how well I will be able to transcribe what I see into words.” Once he explained how that would work, she nodded, gesturing for him to begin.

She had reformed somewhere in the rice fields, away from the village, and it seemed it was night, so there wasn’t anyone working the fields at the moment. But she was in pain… such a tremendous amount of pain, and with her four arms, claws and all, she reached towards the moon and uttered a terrifying howl, the signature for a Hollow, into the nights sky with such horrifying force that the plants around her lay flat against the force. The pain was such that she clawed at her stomach, finding the hole there, and suddenly she went level, her claws laying flat and glistening in the light, smelling the air. Shinku, watching this, recognized this instantly… it was the hunger taking a hold of her senses, looking for prey. It wasn’t long before those massive, spider-like legs were tearing through the earth in search of her first victim, which was some poor, lonely traveler along a road that ran near the field, and a single spear-thrust from her hind-arm skewered, him, killing him instantly, and spooking the horse, sending it with the maimed body devoid of a soul down the road.

Attracted to the noise, Shinku followed the beast quickly and without any sense of subtlety, and almost instantly, there was a Shinigami who stepped in her way, cutting her off before reaching the village the horse was heading towards. They traded blows for a moment or two, but with a vicious rake of her claws, he fell, and with an animalistic bite, he was devoid his head, and the rest of the body followed in quick succession. Shinku was watching in pure horror as the scene unfolded, but it only seemed to get worse. Humans… Plus Souls… Three Shinigami… a Quincy… none of them were able to stop her, and it dragged her through a vast majority of the country before moving to what she recognized as her territory, but her claws were drenched in blood along with her creatures who trailed behind her. It was just the Okami for now, but it was obvious they had all been butchering anything they had come across… and the last one marched towards her, and spit up the glowing purple flame that was another soul, another spiritual meal, and as she consumed it, the bright red light in her eyes began to shift to purple, showing her consciousness coming to be.

Shinku, having finished the memory all together, leaned backwards… it had simply been too horrifying for it to take the same effect as the last set of memories, and her breathing was shallow and slow. She truly had been a monstrous creature. How did she deserve to live after everything she had done? It had been more than simple Hollow she had eaten in her time, but people, innocents, souls that were nothing more than simply in the wrong place at the same time. There was no forgiveness… no redemption in her life. She should have just let a Quincy take their shot… a Shinigami cut her down… there was nothing that could make up for her transgressions.

---

PWC: 712
TWC: 5768

Malus looked at the memories, feeling her mindless hunger, that senseless violence so many of his kind was cursed with. And felt her pain and suffering at her actions when it was finished. A thick despair that clung like death to a field of battle. A crushing sadness that shone through her actions. She felt that her actions were irredeemable, that she should've been killed all those times rather than the death of innocent lives she caused. But Malus knew the difference between irredeemable actions of intentional maliciousness, and what she did. The mindless hunting of an animal for its survival. 

Waddling up to her his tentacles gently caressed her neck while his hands patted her shoulder, "Shinku, you aren't beyond redemption. I am a Spirit of Retribution, the Judge of Souls, and the Arbitrator of Justice. I have seen your sins, and I can tell you. You. Are. Not. Evil. You are not without redemption, you have a wise, compassionate soul. That cares deeply for your legion, you do not go out of your way to bring harm and ruin since you regained yourself, and most importantly. You show restraint and forbearance to others. 

"What you did while under the animalistic hunger of our lesser kin is not who you are now. Nor what you've been since. So as the judge of your soul. I give you my verdict," Malus would waddle till he was in front of Shinku. His tentacles moving so that they could make sure Shinku was looking into his eyes as he passed his judgement, "Shinku, you are forgiven."

There was a power in honest forgiveness. Both in giving and receiving. The fact that she grieved for the loss of those lives while not herself. The fact that she felt the weight of those deaths, proved that she was a good soul. But while those she ate couldn't offer her their forgiveness. Hopefully him doing it in their place would be a balm to let her heal from those memories. Rather than let them consume her with their weight. And if she needed a shoulder to figuratively cry on, or a being to help carry her burden. He would be that being.

___________________

CWC: 5,127 (4,760+367)

CGP: 102

Shinku heard as the fellow Hollow got up and moved towards her, but only just barely, still in absolute shock and horror at what she had done and become after her death. But when she felt his touch; not that of someone exploiting a weakness or causing her pain, but a feeling of comfort and compassion, she shook forcibly from her revelation as her mind snapped into focus. That clarity allowed her to see forward, and heard his words as he spoke them, of her not being evil… and he meant every word. She had not felt that comfort since she was living, of that, she could say absolutely for certain now, and it was like a foreign thing that she wasn’t sure how to respond to. Her skin, or rather, her exoskeleton, was rough, jagged and hardened like steel, and the only time she had ever felt anything was accompanied with pain.

This was not pain. This was kindness. He continued to speak, and she couldn’t help but raise a single clawed hand in the thought that she would be able to embrace him, but as the claws came into her own field of view, the scene changed to where they were covered in blood for a moment, then her vision cleared with a snap, and the hand lowered.

Waddling up to her his tentacles gently caressed her neck while his hands patted her shoulder, "Shinku, you aren't beyond redemption. I am a Spirit of Retribution, the Judge of Souls, and the Arbitrator of Justice. I have seen your sins, and I can tell you. You. Are. Not. Evil. You are not without redemption, you have a wise, compassionate soul. That cares deeply for your legion, you do not go out of your way to bring harm and ruin since you regained yourself, and most importantly. You show restraint and forbearance to others. She had looked him in the eyes, but her head sagged, though she seemed to be recuperating. “I appreciate it. I do. But I think my forgiveness of myself is what is going to be what is required, and is going to take some time. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity though.”

Shinku managed to collect herself after a moment, and then reached up with a hand and her claws went into her mouth for a moment, producing a small, green marble. In truth, it was a super-condensed egg, and after a flick of the wrist to rid it of the spittle and slime, she extended it towards Malus as an offering. “This, so long as it contacts the skin and your reiatsu, will allow us to communicate much the same way I do with my Legion, though there are no commands. Anything permitted must be equally accepted before communication can be shared. With this, my Legion will accept you into their fold without hesitation.” It was an offer, a declaration almost, for Malus to join her, be at her side, from this point on.

---

PWC: 500
TWC: 6268

Malus knew that forgiving oneself was a much harder and longer road than the forgiveness of others. Malus would nod and reply, "That is usually a long and hard path. I speak from experience, but someday you'll find it. Just remember to look toward your future and remember the good you do, and have done. Rather than just the bad, if you do that, the light will eventually shine for you ... if not, then darkness is all you'll see. But I'm sure you'll get there some day. It'll just take time." 

But when she drew out the marble to give to him, the part of him that was greedy to collect new things to add to his hoard, his Biblotecca de los Perdidos, lit up his features with glee at something new and unique. His hands cradled it gently, as he heard her talk about it. It gave him the perfect opportunity to look after Shinku and her Legion. His draconic nature, and need to protect things he saw as part of his collection, had made sure of that the second he saw the Hollow was able to create life. Much like he'd look after the mother and her soon to be child he saved just earlier this morning. 

Now he could be sure to be there regardless of where the Legion went. Being able to study them, learn from them, and add that knowledge to his Library of the Lost. Then use it to help Shinku work to make stronger, smarter children. Help them become more than a base Hive, but a civilization. After all even termites and ants built civilizations, and as a Hollow Queen mother to her Legion, she could have that too someday. Malus looked at Shinku, holding the marble to his body, "I'll need to set this in a necklace, but thank you. I'll be sure to treasure this gift. If you ever have need of me when I'm not here to help your Legion, all you need to do is call and I'll be there."

Malus would then laugh uproaringly, "You know most Hollows don't make friends, seeing each other as potential prey or threats to their next meal. But I'd find it fitting to be friends, it'll be an interesting change of pace won't it?" 

_________________________________________

CWC: 5,511 (5,127+384)

CGP: 110