[Log] Oh Look - More Tangles
WHO: Alphonse Elric, Ulquiorra, Urd
WHEN: 03.13.07 & 03.27.07
WHERE: Onose Park, Karakura Town
WHAT: Sometime later, Alphonse finds himself visiting Karakura's park. Here sits a goddess in distress. Alphonse then finds himself helping the goddess Urd. Along came another presence - cool green gaze, dark tear streaks - staring deeply...
It's a beautiful day and in the middle of the afternoon, a perfect time for
enjoying the beauty of a city park. This place is calming, relaxing, and an all
around great getaway from the hustle and bustle of every day life. There are
various people in the park, some kids playing ball, a young couple walking hand
in hand, and even another group centered around a delicious crepe stand asking
for their favorite flavored sweets. A group of kids are circling around the
play area, but suddenly begin to make a wide circle from the swings.
A dark cloud is (literally) hanging over the swing set, primarily because a
certain goddess in a short black dress, long black gloves, large black lady's
hat, black boots, black.. you get the picture, and sunglasses, is occupying the
center of three swings. A woman in a skirt like that should -not- be sitting on
a swing to begin with (though she does so without causing the ratings to
skyrocket), but the white haired beauty definitely stands out for her strange
way of dressing today. She looks like she just left a funeral! Woe is she. ;_;
Yay, he's back in Karakura! It really has been a while for Alphonse, and he
smiles to himself as he looks up at the sky. Now was the time to enjoy the
sunlight! And in the park, no less! The young alchemist makes his way through
the place on one of its many paved paths, weaving pass a couple of people.
He spots the playground in the distance. It looks like fun, but...someone's
already there. And making it very dark and gray. How?! Alphonse blinks,
stuttering in step and coming to a halt. He stares at the depressed woman for a
moment, slowly wandering over toward the sad swingset. "Ah...what's the
matter?" the boy asks in his sweet voice.
Urd looks up and lifts a hand to remove her dark sunglasses, then folds them
and tucks them away down her shirt. *cough* A white handkerchief is lifted to
dab under her amethyst eyes. Aah~ what a sweet boy to ask her something like
that. Most people see the cloud and just walk in the opposite direction. o_o;
Urd reaches behind her and tosses something over to Alphonse. An umbrella. Then
she brings another one out for herself like magic from behind her and opens it
up. If Al's smart he'll do the same, because the cloud above gives a rumbling
crackle and raindrops start to patter down.
"It's horrible! My life is OVER! Now all I can do is hide and hope he never
finds me. That terrible man!" It figures it'd be problems in that realm,
wouldn't it? But what can Urd do! Though she could probably work harder at
hiding herself. Just because she wears black doesn't mean she becomes like
ninja.
Whoa, didn't see that coming. Alphonse looks at the umbrella momentarily in
curiosity just as he starts to feel some droplets fall on his head. Oh. The
umbrella is opened, hefted over a shoulder with both hands gripping the handle.
The boy blinks again as the rain becomes more visible and pouring. "A terrible
man? How terrible!" Alphonse is concerned, most definitely. "What did he do to
you?"
Yeah, it's official - Urd would make a terrible ninja.
What is it about this place that attracts so many unusual visitors?
Karakura is an unusual place in itself and has its share of troubles, perhaps
the weirdness magnet is due to the high spiritual content, as amongst those
that do find themselves here and are not native, there are just as many of them
that bore interesting spiritual signatures to them.
It is needless to say that this place is a strange one to find the
Arrancar, but considering that out of most of the Espada he is the least likely
to start a war with the town's self-imposed guardians on a whim, it is no
wonder why Aizen has him out to monitor any unusual occurances here that did
not involve the Shinigami nor their associates. There's a few reiatsus he's
supposed to keep a head's up for, but he has not sensed anything, residual or
otherwise of them. He'll just have to deal with them another time. For now,
however....
His footsteps are silent, is presence for the most part, masked. Ulquiorra
is not here to draw every Shinigami in the vicinity to alert, after all. He is
here to do what he does best, observe.
Urd holds her hanky with one hand and the umbrella with the other. That
Alphonse shows her sympathy gets Urd to smile a little through the dramatic
tears and she lowers the white cloth. "Well, he.. he duped me!!" That somber
look turns into rage in a flash. Her eyebrows knit and there's a crackle of
thunder again. Let's hope the weather doesn't turn into lightening. "I thought
I was going to help out, but I know it was rigged! It was completely unnatural
that there was nothing I could do against that brute! And now.. now my fate is
sealed.. he's going to come and get me!" ;_; And there go the waterworks again.
Alphonse erks, cringing from the sudden thunderclap. He settles again, giving
Urd an awkward grin back, laughing a little. "Oh, I see. Hmmm." he would pat
her on the shoulder in comfort, but he just met her. "That's not very nice of
him. I'm sure there can be something done to help the situation you're in, but
- ah, don't cry! Your fate can be changed! I, uh..."
His voice trails off, the golden brown of his eyes suddenly moving from Urd.
Distraction? No - he just felt odd...
How... interesting. That is the word of choice Ulquiorra would use as his
green-eyed gaze fixes upon the two by the swings. Not to be dismissed, the
peculiar weather in the general vicinity. There is something... 'off' about the
young boy, but the Espada figures out what's different about him quite quickly.
No, it is the other figure (and quite a figure she has *cough*) that bears even
more of a puzzlement. Ulquiorra approaches no closer than the trees that stand
perhaps ten feet away from the swing set. Pitiful as Urd may appear, there's
something about her that has causes the Arrancar to be wary.
Taking his eyes off this woman isn't always a good idea. As soon as Al looks
back the clouds are already parting and Urd is standing -right- in front of
him. No more than an inch from his nose when he puts his attention on her again
and peering at him. A hand lifts to her black hat and it's removed, causing a
whole cascade of long white hair to flutter down around her. "Something can be
done?" He doesn't even know the depth of the trouble she's in! "Can -you-
protect me from Shao Kahn, boy?" The woman leans back and grips her hat with
both hands. If she wrings it any tighter she'll tear it in half. "Aaah! That
stupid, arrogant man! I don't want to be his property!" All because she tried
to do a good deed. That's the last time she does something for anybody!
The moment of distraction passes, and he's greeted with an Urd near his face.
Whoa! Alphonse leans partially backward to make some room, trying to keep his
balance at the same time. Of course, the name 'Shao Kahn' hits him instantly,
causing him to fall back a step.
"Ah! Shao Kahn! I know that name! I know him!" This isn't said too loudly
because he doesn't want to draw too much attention like Urd did. "Oh! You were
a participant in the tournament? My brother - he also participated as well."
Alphonse looks down for a second. "And with the way things are going, it
doesn't look good at all..." Well, maybe he shouldn't go into the whole thing
about his brother working for Shao only to a certain point and also getting
himself in trouble with the raging warlord. He brightens. "I'm sure my brother
has something planned. I'm just waiting for him." Another smile crosses his
face. "Even though I can't do anything at the moment, I believe he can do it."
The hint of a smirk touches the otherwise emotionless face of the
Arrancar. Shao Kahn again, is it? It seems there is hardly a day that can go by
without that name being spoken. Ulquiorra slips a hand from his pocket to place
against the trunk of the tree he stands by, but he does not move to make his
presence known just yet. He wants to hear what more will be said...
Urd blinks a few times at the sudden exclamation from Alphonse. Guess everybody
knows Kahn. o_o; But even if it's not said loudly she lifts her finger to her
lips. "Shhhh!" And looks around suspiciously. Not that they don't already look
plenty suspicious standing out in the open in front of the swingset. "I wasn't
in the tournament, but I went there to try and stop him." By herself? She's
either very foolish, which she can be sometimes, or not entirely what she
appears, which that cloud earlier might indicate. Eheh. "But even though we
fought, I could barely touch him. I know there was something wrong as soon as
it began." Urd knows she's a better fighter than that.. it was rigged, that's
what! "Your brother? Is he a god? Or a superhero? Why do you think he can do it
when no one else can?" No, it's all over for her. ;_; "The tournament is almost
over, and when Shao Kahn wins.." Urd is suddenly latched onto Alphonse's legs
and sitting in the grass. "He's going to make me go back to that disgusting
Outworld! It's horrible there! No sunshine.. how do I improve my tan?! And no
TV! I'm going to miss all my favorite soaps!" It's a travesty!
Alphonse can relate. It was unintentional! Well, okay, so everyone makes
foolish mistakes. "You fought with him...we didn't even get a warning when he
had us bound and brought to him." He folds his arms across his chest,
shrugging. "Oh, no, Ed's no god," he calmly states, "but he does have the kind
of fury related to one. He's quite skilled in alchemy, and I'm sure he's gone
against Kahn before..." That part is still iffy, but he figures Ed never told
him exactly what happened earlier. However, details come together quickly.
The moment is interrupted when his leg is grabbed onto. "Whoa! Ahaha, don't -
don't worry, miss!" Alphonse glances downward, placing his hands lightly atop
her shoulders. "Look, I can try to help you if you need it. I don't want
anything else bad to happen to anyone, in fact."
Urd stares up at Al with amethyst eyes, a strand of white hair falling down the
center of her face. "You.. were taken by him? Why?" What does this boy have to
do with that whole mess? Even if his brother did fight in the tournament, the
people who lost were let go. "Do you even know if your brother is okay? What if
something happened to him! No one is safe in that hell hole." Urd would like to
speak sweet words to Alphonse, but how can she believe his brother is doing
just fine out there alone? As for helping her, she stares at him amazed.
"Really? But you're just inviting trouble on to yourself. He will most
definitely come for me, or send one of his lackeys. It's part of the bet, you
see. When he wins the tournament..." *shudder* She doesn't even want to think
about going back to that place as his trophy.
The boy's face falls back into neutrality, his eyes conveying more than he lets
on. "...It was my fault for going with him," he says quietly. "Even if I didn't
choose to go with Edward, I would've gotten involved anyway." He looks up
again. "I think Shao Kahn and him met before on a different matter, but it was
never suppose to end up like this."
Then again, it was Shao Kahn. Things tend to go the way they turn out, don't
they? "Ed will be fine," he repeats, making himself believe it tenfold than
what he's doing now. His gaze goes back to Urd. "And I can help you. Really,
it's no big deal. An alchemist's job is to help the people, after all."
"...the tournament is already as good as won by him..." speaks up a voice
then. Ulquiorra steps out from the trees, his black-nailed hand returning to
his pocket as he approaches the pair by the swings that he not too long ago had
spoken with Orihime at. The goddess should be able to see him, unless by some
fluke of the world differences, she can't. Alphonse might be able to see him in
glimpses due to his own special circumstances. The white-clad Arrancar is quite
a contrast to Urd, nothing to be told from his expression, those green eyes
unblinking as he levels his gaze upon one, then the other. "I have heard that
his representatives have all made it to the final round, so his invasion of
worlds will be inevitable." He's not trying to be mean, he's just stating facts.
Urd slowly gets up to her feet, though she shouldn't grab Alphonse by the
bottom of the jacket to crawl her way up, but she does. Though she wonders what
connection they have to Kahn, it sounds like Al doesn't know anything about
that other matter that's mentioned. At the boy's conviction the goddess can't
help but smile a little, which softens her exotic features. "You'd do that for
me?" Guess there are still heroes in the world! Though she's not the type that
usually needs one, being a formidable force herself. "What's your name, cutie?"
<3
That's when the new voice is heard. Urd's eyes narrow and she turns swiftly in
the direction of the strange looking fellow. A hand moves out to her side, as
if she might do something, but she stays it for now. Even though Alphonse said
he'd help her, she can't help but wonder if he's capable of it. And she doesn't
really want to see the boy get hurt. The information earns a tilt of her head,
swishing her hair behind her. Hmf! "Yes, I know..." Obviously she's pretty
irritated by that fact, judging from the clenched fist and the throbbing vein
on her forehead. >_< "Are you a servant of his?" Because if Ulqui is, then look
out! o_o
"Alphonse Elric, younger brother of Edward Elric." Alphonse gives a nod, not
having any problem with the goddess clambering and using him as a post. Plus,
it's always good to help and protect! "At your service," he says with a cute
smile.
But... What's this? Alphonse is caught off-guard, blinking as he moves his
head, his body turning to see...parts of someone. White shards, maybe even a
hint of a bright eye marked by a dark tear. "..." He tilts his head, knowing
that he's not seeing things. "Although he has the power to do so, there's
always a possibility his plan will backfire." All of this is said in a low,
calm tone, eyes focusing on the bits of Ulquiorra.
Ulquiorra makes no move to guard himself even though he sees Urd tense as
if to make her own move against him. He seems perfectly at ease as he continues
to watch the two, seeming to perk in faint amusement at the woman's irritation.
"Servant of Shao Kahn? I've not even met the man," he responds truthfully. He
had thought to, but with Grimmjow making his business Kahn's realm, Ulquiorra
had decided to leave things for now.
Green gaze turns to Alphonse. So he can see him. The Espada nods to
himself. "Yes. Despite how things have turned to his favor, one cannot discount
that possibility, however small it may be." He closes his eyes. "There are,
after all, many worlds that would not welcome his presence. What remains to be
seen is if they have strength enough to withstand him."
"That's right!" Urd chimes in, pumping her fist in the air a few times.
Actually Urd is counting on others being able to defend against Shao Kahn. When
she fought him she did not fare so well. In fact she was thrashed soundly. o_o;
Though she was in that awful world of his. Perhaps she'd do better outside of
that gate and surrounded by the powers of nature. That hand sets on her shapely
hip which is cocked slightly to the side. "I'm sure he'll have more coming to
him than he suspects when he steps beyond his home." And then it'll be time for
some goddess PAY BACK! With a vengeance! Oh yeah!!
No one will ever know that part in detail if you don't tell them, Urd. Alphonse
cannot help but smile a little at Urd's enthusiasm, seeing how much she really
wanted to keep away from Shao Kahn and beat him with a stick. Or something to
that extent.
The image of Ulquiorra becomes a little clearer, but still shrouded. The boy
crosses his arms loosely over his chest, keeping his gaze on the Arrancar. "I
have to agree with that," he simply says.
"Hm." The mystery ranked Espada shrugs his shoulders then, having not much
more to say to that. Be they hopeful or foolish or foolishly hopeful, Ulquiorra
knew better than to dismiss the drive of the strong-willed. It has often proved
a mistake for some to do so. Now, whether that determination would be enough to
withstand the might of Shao Kahn was something to yet be seen. Come time when
the man did begin his conquests, Ulquiorra will likely go to observe. For now,
however, he does not plan to take action.
To Urd and Alphonse, the Arrancar simply nods once, in acknowledgement if
not outright agreement.
Urd finds the man in front of them to be pretty suspicious. "What interest do
you have in all this anyway?" Urd asks, and although her voice has an edge to
it she's suddenly standing behind Alphonse. Hey, no need to risk her pretty
self if this guy gets mad, right? Though if you throw something at Urd she'll
be quick to throw something bigger back. Casually her hands are set on Al's
shoulders first and she drapes her arms right over his chest. Most comfortable!
What a lucky guy he is. "Is this world yours? Or maybe you come from a
different one." It doesn't look like Ulquiorra fits in around here. Then again,
there are always strange things happening everywhere these days.
So now he's a meat shield? Maybe it would work better if he were armored.
Alphonse sort of twitches at the touch, but lets Urd do as she pleases while a
light blush plays on his face. However, her questions also make him wonder
about Ulquiorra's origins. Who else would wear all white within the gates?
Aliens? Maybe.
"And why shouldn't one have at least a slight interest in it? Shao Kahn
made it very clear his intentions would affect many beyond the Gates,"
Ulquiorra replies, his pale lips hinting a smirk that never really surfaces. He
turns his head to look off in the far off direction of the gate, his hands
still remaining in pockets, his stance betraying nothing of what he might do.
Urd frowns a little to herself, keeping some thoughts unsaid at the mention of
that name again. "Well.. he's not going to affect us today. In fact, today I
met this guy who's going to help me out from a tough situation." And make sure
nothing bad happens to her! Only if Al knew what he was getting in to. o.o; Urd
pinches his cute widdle cheek and smiles over his shoulder at him. "First, he's
going to buy me a crepe from over there." It so happens there's a stand with
crepes being made for the children playing in the park. Not too expensive at
least! "And then he's going to take me to the safe place we're staying at."
Free food and board! Alphonse is such a generous fellow! What Ulquiorra does
means little to the goddess, so long as he doesn't try to take away her meal
ticket.
Whenever Ulquiorra does something like that, it sends chills down one's spine.
Alphonse is broken from the thought as his fleshy cheek is pinched, making him
squint in reaction.
It takes him five seconds to process all of what Urd just mentioned.
"Ha....huh?" He blinks quizzically at the goddess, but can't say anything. He
did want to help her...but on his limited budget? Time to get cracking at side
jobs again. Still, he glances back at Ulquiorra a moment afterward.
Hope Urd likes washing dishes.
The Arrancar does not turn his head, but his green gaze shifts to look
towards them again but momentarily before he looks off elsewhere as if finding
other things more interesting. "...strange...." he murmurs to himself. He then
turns his body, oh, perhaps he's going to leave? A few steps are taken, but
Ulquiorra pauses once he's out of the perimeter of the swing set. "....boy.
Alphonse Elric, was it?" He'd been listening, after all. "...are you friends
with the shinigami?" he asks, his back to the pair.
Washing dishes? Never! But Urd will help out with Al's part time job if she's
able to. She has some interesting methods when it comes to doing part time
jobs. Ohohoho. Since the stranger seems to be harmless, Urd lets go of Al and
trots off toward the crepe stand, waving a hand in the air. Mememe! *_* She'll
be burning a hole in Al's pocket before you know it!
Alphonse is momentarily distracted when Urd decides to trot off toward the
crepe stand. Yup, there goes whatever money he has. And...how can Ulquiorra be
harmless?! Impossible! Now the younger Elric is stuck here, with full attention
from the Arrancar. Even if the distance between them has grown, it still feels
like Ulquiorra is very close.
"Shinigami?" he repeats in question, tilting his head forward. "I...I don't
believe I understand what you're talking about..." He has seen Chappygami, but
the thought of Chappy being Shinigami never occurred to him. "I have friends,
however. And they all seem to have their own...uniqueness."
"Huh. I see. Well yes, I suppose it can be described as such." Ulquiorra
turns his head to cast that cold, green-eyed glance back at Alphonse. "You too
can be described as...unique. Your soul... that body- it isn't your real one,
is it?"
The alchemist's eyes widen as the rest of his facial expressions follow, a look
of slight panic reading openly. "H...how..." Alphonse's voice suddenly shrank
from its usual tone. What kind of person is he? Or...is he even human? It's
hard to tell. He swallows the lump forming in his throat, trying to regain the
Elric-like composure. "...how did you know?"
Ulquiorra continues to observe Alphonse out of the corner of his eye.
"...your soul, the general aura about you is similar to that of the shinigami
when they inhabit gigai." He turns his head frontwards again, closing his eyes.
"...I particularly sense the faint traces of one Kisuke Urahara about you. I
did not know he was in the business of providing gigai to non-shinigami."
The knowledge of gigai and its provider definitely tells Alphonse this...person
is from some part of this place. Or does he just know about it through other
sources? Either way, it hits a few nerves. The boy smirks softly, letting out a
nervous chuckle.
"Ah. It...it was my choice to look into the gigai....Mr. Urahara didn't have to
go through with it, but we did." Alphonse shakes his head, letting his arms
drop down to the side of him. "Going from one body to another is a strange
experience. But I know this change won't be permanent."
"...de veras?" The Arrancar lifts his head a bit, opening his eyes once
more as he looks straight ahead. Once again he lifts his shoulders in a shrug.
If that was all, then Ulquiorra didn't really feel the need to delve any
further into this. With the gates open to all, it would be impossible to keep
track of every single person that had dealings with the shinigami and their
associates. It was easier to get them to come to them, in the end. The matter
is not so much as brushed off as it is filed away should something come up
where it will then be looked into further.
Ulquiorra slips a hand from his pocket, casting his black-nailed fingers
in about as much of a waving gesture as one can ever expect from the Espada.
"Interesting. I suggest that you be careful in your dealings with Urahara and
those of this world. Otherwise should we next meet, it would not be pleasant,"
he says as he begins to walk again. A threat? A warning.
A hand involuntarily flexes, the gold brown of his eyes still looking at the
Arrancar as he starts to leave. His words seem to add some kind of pressure and
weight on Alphonse, enough to make him clench his teeth together. The boy will
accept the warning, knowing the man isn't messing around.
He gives a small gasp, brows raising a fraction and eyes fluttering. He takes a
few steps forward, arms gesturing, maybe even trying to stop him from leaving.
"Ah, s-sir! Wait!" What now? Didn't Alphonse want him to leave? No - he had one
quesiton. "It's common courtesy, since you know my name now...but what is
yours?"
The Arrancar does not stop this time. He continues to walk on, his hand
having been slipped back into his hakama pocket. "It may be considered common
courtesy to you, but we go by different standards. My knowing of your name is
not because you have willingly given it to me. I do not feel it necessary to
leave you with mine." That's it. He speaks no more, but continues on, but with
Alphonse's limited vision of him Ulquiorra might as well have just vanished
from sight.
"...." Alphonse does nothing to stop him, nor does he respond to his parting
words. The bits of white have disappeared completely from view, the cold gaze
going with it. All the boy can do is stare at the spot where Ulquiorra once
stood, wondering about how dangerous he truly was.
A small sigh is let out seconds later. "...until then," he murmurs, fixing his
jacket. He then turns to go see where Urd went off to with the crepes, his mind
still cluttered in thought.
WHEN: 03.13.07 & 03.27.07
WHERE: Onose Park, Karakura Town
WHAT: Sometime later, Alphonse finds himself visiting Karakura's park. Here sits a goddess in distress. Alphonse then finds himself helping the goddess Urd. Along came another presence - cool green gaze, dark tear streaks - staring deeply...
It's a beautiful day and in the middle of the afternoon, a perfect time for
enjoying the beauty of a city park. This place is calming, relaxing, and an all
around great getaway from the hustle and bustle of every day life. There are
various people in the park, some kids playing ball, a young couple walking hand
in hand, and even another group centered around a delicious crepe stand asking
for their favorite flavored sweets. A group of kids are circling around the
play area, but suddenly begin to make a wide circle from the swings.
A dark cloud is (literally) hanging over the swing set, primarily because a
certain goddess in a short black dress, long black gloves, large black lady's
hat, black boots, black.. you get the picture, and sunglasses, is occupying the
center of three swings. A woman in a skirt like that should -not- be sitting on
a swing to begin with (though she does so without causing the ratings to
skyrocket), but the white haired beauty definitely stands out for her strange
way of dressing today. She looks like she just left a funeral! Woe is she. ;_;
Yay, he's back in Karakura! It really has been a while for Alphonse, and he
smiles to himself as he looks up at the sky. Now was the time to enjoy the
sunlight! And in the park, no less! The young alchemist makes his way through
the place on one of its many paved paths, weaving pass a couple of people.
He spots the playground in the distance. It looks like fun, but...someone's
already there. And making it very dark and gray. How?! Alphonse blinks,
stuttering in step and coming to a halt. He stares at the depressed woman for a
moment, slowly wandering over toward the sad swingset. "Ah...what's the
matter?" the boy asks in his sweet voice.
Urd looks up and lifts a hand to remove her dark sunglasses, then folds them
and tucks them away down her shirt. *cough* A white handkerchief is lifted to
dab under her amethyst eyes. Aah~ what a sweet boy to ask her something like
that. Most people see the cloud and just walk in the opposite direction. o_o;
Urd reaches behind her and tosses something over to Alphonse. An umbrella. Then
she brings another one out for herself like magic from behind her and opens it
up. If Al's smart he'll do the same, because the cloud above gives a rumbling
crackle and raindrops start to patter down.
"It's horrible! My life is OVER! Now all I can do is hide and hope he never
finds me. That terrible man!" It figures it'd be problems in that realm,
wouldn't it? But what can Urd do! Though she could probably work harder at
hiding herself. Just because she wears black doesn't mean she becomes like
ninja.
Whoa, didn't see that coming. Alphonse looks at the umbrella momentarily in
curiosity just as he starts to feel some droplets fall on his head. Oh. The
umbrella is opened, hefted over a shoulder with both hands gripping the handle.
The boy blinks again as the rain becomes more visible and pouring. "A terrible
man? How terrible!" Alphonse is concerned, most definitely. "What did he do to
you?"
Yeah, it's official - Urd would make a terrible ninja.
What is it about this place that attracts so many unusual visitors?
Karakura is an unusual place in itself and has its share of troubles, perhaps
the weirdness magnet is due to the high spiritual content, as amongst those
that do find themselves here and are not native, there are just as many of them
that bore interesting spiritual signatures to them.
It is needless to say that this place is a strange one to find the
Arrancar, but considering that out of most of the Espada he is the least likely
to start a war with the town's self-imposed guardians on a whim, it is no
wonder why Aizen has him out to monitor any unusual occurances here that did
not involve the Shinigami nor their associates. There's a few reiatsus he's
supposed to keep a head's up for, but he has not sensed anything, residual or
otherwise of them. He'll just have to deal with them another time. For now,
however....
His footsteps are silent, is presence for the most part, masked. Ulquiorra
is not here to draw every Shinigami in the vicinity to alert, after all. He is
here to do what he does best, observe.
Urd holds her hanky with one hand and the umbrella with the other. That
Alphonse shows her sympathy gets Urd to smile a little through the dramatic
tears and she lowers the white cloth. "Well, he.. he duped me!!" That somber
look turns into rage in a flash. Her eyebrows knit and there's a crackle of
thunder again. Let's hope the weather doesn't turn into lightening. "I thought
I was going to help out, but I know it was rigged! It was completely unnatural
that there was nothing I could do against that brute! And now.. now my fate is
sealed.. he's going to come and get me!" ;_; And there go the waterworks again.
Alphonse erks, cringing from the sudden thunderclap. He settles again, giving
Urd an awkward grin back, laughing a little. "Oh, I see. Hmmm." he would pat
her on the shoulder in comfort, but he just met her. "That's not very nice of
him. I'm sure there can be something done to help the situation you're in, but
- ah, don't cry! Your fate can be changed! I, uh..."
His voice trails off, the golden brown of his eyes suddenly moving from Urd.
Distraction? No - he just felt odd...
How... interesting. That is the word of choice Ulquiorra would use as his
green-eyed gaze fixes upon the two by the swings. Not to be dismissed, the
peculiar weather in the general vicinity. There is something... 'off' about the
young boy, but the Espada figures out what's different about him quite quickly.
No, it is the other figure (and quite a figure she has *cough*) that bears even
more of a puzzlement. Ulquiorra approaches no closer than the trees that stand
perhaps ten feet away from the swing set. Pitiful as Urd may appear, there's
something about her that has causes the Arrancar to be wary.
Taking his eyes off this woman isn't always a good idea. As soon as Al looks
back the clouds are already parting and Urd is standing -right- in front of
him. No more than an inch from his nose when he puts his attention on her again
and peering at him. A hand lifts to her black hat and it's removed, causing a
whole cascade of long white hair to flutter down around her. "Something can be
done?" He doesn't even know the depth of the trouble she's in! "Can -you-
protect me from Shao Kahn, boy?" The woman leans back and grips her hat with
both hands. If she wrings it any tighter she'll tear it in half. "Aaah! That
stupid, arrogant man! I don't want to be his property!" All because she tried
to do a good deed. That's the last time she does something for anybody!
The moment of distraction passes, and he's greeted with an Urd near his face.
Whoa! Alphonse leans partially backward to make some room, trying to keep his
balance at the same time. Of course, the name 'Shao Kahn' hits him instantly,
causing him to fall back a step.
"Ah! Shao Kahn! I know that name! I know him!" This isn't said too loudly
because he doesn't want to draw too much attention like Urd did. "Oh! You were
a participant in the tournament? My brother - he also participated as well."
Alphonse looks down for a second. "And with the way things are going, it
doesn't look good at all..." Well, maybe he shouldn't go into the whole thing
about his brother working for Shao only to a certain point and also getting
himself in trouble with the raging warlord. He brightens. "I'm sure my brother
has something planned. I'm just waiting for him." Another smile crosses his
face. "Even though I can't do anything at the moment, I believe he can do it."
The hint of a smirk touches the otherwise emotionless face of the
Arrancar. Shao Kahn again, is it? It seems there is hardly a day that can go by
without that name being spoken. Ulquiorra slips a hand from his pocket to place
against the trunk of the tree he stands by, but he does not move to make his
presence known just yet. He wants to hear what more will be said...
Urd blinks a few times at the sudden exclamation from Alphonse. Guess everybody
knows Kahn. o_o; But even if it's not said loudly she lifts her finger to her
lips. "Shhhh!" And looks around suspiciously. Not that they don't already look
plenty suspicious standing out in the open in front of the swingset. "I wasn't
in the tournament, but I went there to try and stop him." By herself? She's
either very foolish, which she can be sometimes, or not entirely what she
appears, which that cloud earlier might indicate. Eheh. "But even though we
fought, I could barely touch him. I know there was something wrong as soon as
it began." Urd knows she's a better fighter than that.. it was rigged, that's
what! "Your brother? Is he a god? Or a superhero? Why do you think he can do it
when no one else can?" No, it's all over for her. ;_; "The tournament is almost
over, and when Shao Kahn wins.." Urd is suddenly latched onto Alphonse's legs
and sitting in the grass. "He's going to make me go back to that disgusting
Outworld! It's horrible there! No sunshine.. how do I improve my tan?! And no
TV! I'm going to miss all my favorite soaps!" It's a travesty!
Alphonse can relate. It was unintentional! Well, okay, so everyone makes
foolish mistakes. "You fought with him...we didn't even get a warning when he
had us bound and brought to him." He folds his arms across his chest,
shrugging. "Oh, no, Ed's no god," he calmly states, "but he does have the kind
of fury related to one. He's quite skilled in alchemy, and I'm sure he's gone
against Kahn before..." That part is still iffy, but he figures Ed never told
him exactly what happened earlier. However, details come together quickly.
The moment is interrupted when his leg is grabbed onto. "Whoa! Ahaha, don't -
don't worry, miss!" Alphonse glances downward, placing his hands lightly atop
her shoulders. "Look, I can try to help you if you need it. I don't want
anything else bad to happen to anyone, in fact."
Urd stares up at Al with amethyst eyes, a strand of white hair falling down the
center of her face. "You.. were taken by him? Why?" What does this boy have to
do with that whole mess? Even if his brother did fight in the tournament, the
people who lost were let go. "Do you even know if your brother is okay? What if
something happened to him! No one is safe in that hell hole." Urd would like to
speak sweet words to Alphonse, but how can she believe his brother is doing
just fine out there alone? As for helping her, she stares at him amazed.
"Really? But you're just inviting trouble on to yourself. He will most
definitely come for me, or send one of his lackeys. It's part of the bet, you
see. When he wins the tournament..." *shudder* She doesn't even want to think
about going back to that place as his trophy.
The boy's face falls back into neutrality, his eyes conveying more than he lets
on. "...It was my fault for going with him," he says quietly. "Even if I didn't
choose to go with Edward, I would've gotten involved anyway." He looks up
again. "I think Shao Kahn and him met before on a different matter, but it was
never suppose to end up like this."
Then again, it was Shao Kahn. Things tend to go the way they turn out, don't
they? "Ed will be fine," he repeats, making himself believe it tenfold than
what he's doing now. His gaze goes back to Urd. "And I can help you. Really,
it's no big deal. An alchemist's job is to help the people, after all."
"...the tournament is already as good as won by him..." speaks up a voice
then. Ulquiorra steps out from the trees, his black-nailed hand returning to
his pocket as he approaches the pair by the swings that he not too long ago had
spoken with Orihime at. The goddess should be able to see him, unless by some
fluke of the world differences, she can't. Alphonse might be able to see him in
glimpses due to his own special circumstances. The white-clad Arrancar is quite
a contrast to Urd, nothing to be told from his expression, those green eyes
unblinking as he levels his gaze upon one, then the other. "I have heard that
his representatives have all made it to the final round, so his invasion of
worlds will be inevitable." He's not trying to be mean, he's just stating facts.
Urd slowly gets up to her feet, though she shouldn't grab Alphonse by the
bottom of the jacket to crawl her way up, but she does. Though she wonders what
connection they have to Kahn, it sounds like Al doesn't know anything about
that other matter that's mentioned. At the boy's conviction the goddess can't
help but smile a little, which softens her exotic features. "You'd do that for
me?" Guess there are still heroes in the world! Though she's not the type that
usually needs one, being a formidable force herself. "What's your name, cutie?"
<3
That's when the new voice is heard. Urd's eyes narrow and she turns swiftly in
the direction of the strange looking fellow. A hand moves out to her side, as
if she might do something, but she stays it for now. Even though Alphonse said
he'd help her, she can't help but wonder if he's capable of it. And she doesn't
really want to see the boy get hurt. The information earns a tilt of her head,
swishing her hair behind her. Hmf! "Yes, I know..." Obviously she's pretty
irritated by that fact, judging from the clenched fist and the throbbing vein
on her forehead. >_< "Are you a servant of his?" Because if Ulqui is, then look
out! o_o
"Alphonse Elric, younger brother of Edward Elric." Alphonse gives a nod, not
having any problem with the goddess clambering and using him as a post. Plus,
it's always good to help and protect! "At your service," he says with a cute
smile.
But... What's this? Alphonse is caught off-guard, blinking as he moves his
head, his body turning to see...parts of someone. White shards, maybe even a
hint of a bright eye marked by a dark tear. "..." He tilts his head, knowing
that he's not seeing things. "Although he has the power to do so, there's
always a possibility his plan will backfire." All of this is said in a low,
calm tone, eyes focusing on the bits of Ulquiorra.
Ulquiorra makes no move to guard himself even though he sees Urd tense as
if to make her own move against him. He seems perfectly at ease as he continues
to watch the two, seeming to perk in faint amusement at the woman's irritation.
"Servant of Shao Kahn? I've not even met the man," he responds truthfully. He
had thought to, but with Grimmjow making his business Kahn's realm, Ulquiorra
had decided to leave things for now.
Green gaze turns to Alphonse. So he can see him. The Espada nods to
himself. "Yes. Despite how things have turned to his favor, one cannot discount
that possibility, however small it may be." He closes his eyes. "There are,
after all, many worlds that would not welcome his presence. What remains to be
seen is if they have strength enough to withstand him."
"That's right!" Urd chimes in, pumping her fist in the air a few times.
Actually Urd is counting on others being able to defend against Shao Kahn. When
she fought him she did not fare so well. In fact she was thrashed soundly. o_o;
Though she was in that awful world of his. Perhaps she'd do better outside of
that gate and surrounded by the powers of nature. That hand sets on her shapely
hip which is cocked slightly to the side. "I'm sure he'll have more coming to
him than he suspects when he steps beyond his home." And then it'll be time for
some goddess PAY BACK! With a vengeance! Oh yeah!!
No one will ever know that part in detail if you don't tell them, Urd. Alphonse
cannot help but smile a little at Urd's enthusiasm, seeing how much she really
wanted to keep away from Shao Kahn and beat him with a stick. Or something to
that extent.
The image of Ulquiorra becomes a little clearer, but still shrouded. The boy
crosses his arms loosely over his chest, keeping his gaze on the Arrancar. "I
have to agree with that," he simply says.
"Hm." The mystery ranked Espada shrugs his shoulders then, having not much
more to say to that. Be they hopeful or foolish or foolishly hopeful, Ulquiorra
knew better than to dismiss the drive of the strong-willed. It has often proved
a mistake for some to do so. Now, whether that determination would be enough to
withstand the might of Shao Kahn was something to yet be seen. Come time when
the man did begin his conquests, Ulquiorra will likely go to observe. For now,
however, he does not plan to take action.
To Urd and Alphonse, the Arrancar simply nods once, in acknowledgement if
not outright agreement.
Urd finds the man in front of them to be pretty suspicious. "What interest do
you have in all this anyway?" Urd asks, and although her voice has an edge to
it she's suddenly standing behind Alphonse. Hey, no need to risk her pretty
self if this guy gets mad, right? Though if you throw something at Urd she'll
be quick to throw something bigger back. Casually her hands are set on Al's
shoulders first and she drapes her arms right over his chest. Most comfortable!
What a lucky guy he is. "Is this world yours? Or maybe you come from a
different one." It doesn't look like Ulquiorra fits in around here. Then again,
there are always strange things happening everywhere these days.
So now he's a meat shield? Maybe it would work better if he were armored.
Alphonse sort of twitches at the touch, but lets Urd do as she pleases while a
light blush plays on his face. However, her questions also make him wonder
about Ulquiorra's origins. Who else would wear all white within the gates?
Aliens? Maybe.
"And why shouldn't one have at least a slight interest in it? Shao Kahn
made it very clear his intentions would affect many beyond the Gates,"
Ulquiorra replies, his pale lips hinting a smirk that never really surfaces. He
turns his head to look off in the far off direction of the gate, his hands
still remaining in pockets, his stance betraying nothing of what he might do.
Urd frowns a little to herself, keeping some thoughts unsaid at the mention of
that name again. "Well.. he's not going to affect us today. In fact, today I
met this guy who's going to help me out from a tough situation." And make sure
nothing bad happens to her! Only if Al knew what he was getting in to. o.o; Urd
pinches his cute widdle cheek and smiles over his shoulder at him. "First, he's
going to buy me a crepe from over there." It so happens there's a stand with
crepes being made for the children playing in the park. Not too expensive at
least! "And then he's going to take me to the safe place we're staying at."
Free food and board! Alphonse is such a generous fellow! What Ulquiorra does
means little to the goddess, so long as he doesn't try to take away her meal
ticket.
Whenever Ulquiorra does something like that, it sends chills down one's spine.
Alphonse is broken from the thought as his fleshy cheek is pinched, making him
squint in reaction.
It takes him five seconds to process all of what Urd just mentioned.
"Ha....huh?" He blinks quizzically at the goddess, but can't say anything. He
did want to help her...but on his limited budget? Time to get cracking at side
jobs again. Still, he glances back at Ulquiorra a moment afterward.
Hope Urd likes washing dishes.
The Arrancar does not turn his head, but his green gaze shifts to look
towards them again but momentarily before he looks off elsewhere as if finding
other things more interesting. "...strange...." he murmurs to himself. He then
turns his body, oh, perhaps he's going to leave? A few steps are taken, but
Ulquiorra pauses once he's out of the perimeter of the swing set. "....boy.
Alphonse Elric, was it?" He'd been listening, after all. "...are you friends
with the shinigami?" he asks, his back to the pair.
Washing dishes? Never! But Urd will help out with Al's part time job if she's
able to. She has some interesting methods when it comes to doing part time
jobs. Ohohoho. Since the stranger seems to be harmless, Urd lets go of Al and
trots off toward the crepe stand, waving a hand in the air. Mememe! *_* She'll
be burning a hole in Al's pocket before you know it!
Alphonse is momentarily distracted when Urd decides to trot off toward the
crepe stand. Yup, there goes whatever money he has. And...how can Ulquiorra be
harmless?! Impossible! Now the younger Elric is stuck here, with full attention
from the Arrancar. Even if the distance between them has grown, it still feels
like Ulquiorra is very close.
"Shinigami?" he repeats in question, tilting his head forward. "I...I don't
believe I understand what you're talking about..." He has seen Chappygami, but
the thought of Chappy being Shinigami never occurred to him. "I have friends,
however. And they all seem to have their own...uniqueness."
"Huh. I see. Well yes, I suppose it can be described as such." Ulquiorra
turns his head to cast that cold, green-eyed glance back at Alphonse. "You too
can be described as...unique. Your soul... that body- it isn't your real one,
is it?"
The alchemist's eyes widen as the rest of his facial expressions follow, a look
of slight panic reading openly. "H...how..." Alphonse's voice suddenly shrank
from its usual tone. What kind of person is he? Or...is he even human? It's
hard to tell. He swallows the lump forming in his throat, trying to regain the
Elric-like composure. "...how did you know?"
Ulquiorra continues to observe Alphonse out of the corner of his eye.
"...your soul, the general aura about you is similar to that of the shinigami
when they inhabit gigai." He turns his head frontwards again, closing his eyes.
"...I particularly sense the faint traces of one Kisuke Urahara about you. I
did not know he was in the business of providing gigai to non-shinigami."
The knowledge of gigai and its provider definitely tells Alphonse this...person
is from some part of this place. Or does he just know about it through other
sources? Either way, it hits a few nerves. The boy smirks softly, letting out a
nervous chuckle.
"Ah. It...it was my choice to look into the gigai....Mr. Urahara didn't have to
go through with it, but we did." Alphonse shakes his head, letting his arms
drop down to the side of him. "Going from one body to another is a strange
experience. But I know this change won't be permanent."
"...de veras?" The Arrancar lifts his head a bit, opening his eyes once
more as he looks straight ahead. Once again he lifts his shoulders in a shrug.
If that was all, then Ulquiorra didn't really feel the need to delve any
further into this. With the gates open to all, it would be impossible to keep
track of every single person that had dealings with the shinigami and their
associates. It was easier to get them to come to them, in the end. The matter
is not so much as brushed off as it is filed away should something come up
where it will then be looked into further.
Ulquiorra slips a hand from his pocket, casting his black-nailed fingers
in about as much of a waving gesture as one can ever expect from the Espada.
"Interesting. I suggest that you be careful in your dealings with Urahara and
those of this world. Otherwise should we next meet, it would not be pleasant,"
he says as he begins to walk again. A threat? A warning.
A hand involuntarily flexes, the gold brown of his eyes still looking at the
Arrancar as he starts to leave. His words seem to add some kind of pressure and
weight on Alphonse, enough to make him clench his teeth together. The boy will
accept the warning, knowing the man isn't messing around.
He gives a small gasp, brows raising a fraction and eyes fluttering. He takes a
few steps forward, arms gesturing, maybe even trying to stop him from leaving.
"Ah, s-sir! Wait!" What now? Didn't Alphonse want him to leave? No - he had one
quesiton. "It's common courtesy, since you know my name now...but what is
yours?"
The Arrancar does not stop this time. He continues to walk on, his hand
having been slipped back into his hakama pocket. "It may be considered common
courtesy to you, but we go by different standards. My knowing of your name is
not because you have willingly given it to me. I do not feel it necessary to
leave you with mine." That's it. He speaks no more, but continues on, but with
Alphonse's limited vision of him Ulquiorra might as well have just vanished
from sight.
"...." Alphonse does nothing to stop him, nor does he respond to his parting
words. The bits of white have disappeared completely from view, the cold gaze
going with it. All the boy can do is stare at the spot where Ulquiorra once
stood, wondering about how dangerous he truly was.
A small sigh is let out seconds later. "...until then," he murmurs, fixing his
jacket. He then turns to go see where Urd went off to with the crepes, his mind
still cluttered in thought.