B aku

Troubling. 

Menae bit the inside of his cheek in a frustrated manner and ignored the taste of copper. This wasn't a situation he was trained to handle. There were no demons or spirits-- just a deep rooted issue inside a family. He’d say it was none of his business but if Pax was willing to allow Menae in then he would at least attempt to keep the boy safe. Whoever this creator was, if he so dared to touch a single hair on Pax again, he wasn’t sure if he could keep his temper in check. He realized, this was the first human in a long time the Dream Eater wanted to stand against. 

“As far as I’m concerned, you didn't do anything.” Anything he could control at least. There was a chance that the theft itself wasn't entirely what it seemed. Possibly the birthing of the white haired that stole her last breath--? Or possibly an accident during the experiments... He was sure either way, it was not Pax’s fault.

“You let me know as soon as possible if he does anything to you, okay?” He’s already said this but he needs to get the point across. He will do everything he can to protect him.

   The Espada rose a brow, watching as the smaller of the two took out his notepad, and started to write something down. He leaned over a bit, squinting some. ❝ Hey.. What’re ya writin’, kid ? ❞ he said, hands still stuck in his pockets. ❝ I hope ya ain’t here spyin’ on me…  ❞ he growled quietly. Grimmjow was naturally curious as well, in all honesty. He did used to be a big cat, after all. But he wasn’t about to let this creature know.

❝ Sexta Espada means Six. I’m th’sixth Espada. I’m in the middle of the ranks, meanin’ theres 5 people stronger than me. Espada just means Sword..My ex-boss created us ta be weapons.  ❞ he said. Because that worked out so well… Though he hated to admit that there were others stronger than he, it was true. Dream Eater ? That piqued his interest. Though he was pretty sure he didn’t dream.

❝ The hell’s a Dream Eater ?  ❞

“Ah no no, it’s not like I’m spying on you or anything I just...well,” How was he to explain what he does without sounding too creepy? “I study spirits and demons.” Yeah that sounds good. “So I take notes on anything new I come across, like yourself! I’ve never heard of an Arrancar before so I recorded the encounter!” He gives a little hop as he says ‘encounter’ to give it a little more excitement

“I wonder though...you say your the sixth one...middle rank? So your species goes by a rank system? How many are there--12? Is the first one considered King or the one that created you?” The Dream Eater tilts his head a little, his smile turning a little apologetic. “Sorry about all the questions I’m just... very interested in learning.” And even though the Espada didn’t seem as curious as Menae, he too wanted to learn. The golden eyed boy was never afraid to share.

“A Dream Eater is also a Spirit Classed Demon. Though we have a King... Normally we’d be born in monstrous bodies but I was born in this one. We do as the title says: eat dreams.”

He shook his head, “ No.. But he said he made me different from other people..” He knew telling Menae this could get him into big trouble, but Menae made him feel safe, so it couldn’t hurt. Arro wasn’t here right now. Right ? He sniffled, using the back of his hand and sleeve to wipe his nose. “ He hasn’t done a-anything yet… Just-.. Just spoke to me. Asked me..if I took my m-…mother from him. Pax didn’t mean to. Doesn’t know how..”

Menae was capable of finding out just what that meant but...he wouldn’t want to resurrect those memories and make Pax feel worse about this awful situation. “You always knew you were different didn’t you? It’s not a bad thing though...I’m different too.” Of course that’s not the real problem here. Menae knew that very well. The subject of his Mother hit hard with him...it had always been his goal to protect children and their mothers when he joined the program and here we have another issue...one he can’t save. He’s too late. 

He sucked in a small breath to calm his nerves, and gingerly touched the top of white hair to stroke it. “If he comes back to hurt you, please tell me.” He grew a little tense and slowly pulled his hand away. “....I know it’s not my buisness but...I worry about you Pax.”

    ‘ Did he hurt you…? ’

Yes, he did. In more ways than one, and some of them unknown to Pax in the end. “ Yes. “ he said, bringing his knees closer to his chest. “ He made Pax different.. Weird.” he said quietly. “ He told Pax not to tell anyone. He punishes. “ he said. “ I remember lots about that now. “

He cant keep from clenching his fist but he manages to prevent it from smashing a hole in the wall. There was no need to get that angry but there was no way Menae could pass it by without a fuss. This man had been gone for years and now, all of a sudden, he’s returned just to mess with Pax’s life again? Sick. 

“You’re not weird.” He comments in an attempt to keep his mind on something other than the disgusting actions of this so called Creator. “Did he say that? Did he call you weird? What has he done since he came back...” So much for keeping his mind off of it.

  He stared at Menae’s hand, and just kept his hands in his pockets. ❝ Sorry, kid. Shakin’ hands ain’t really my thing. ❞ He’s always this rude. Sorry, Menae. ❝ Well, f’you can see me, then I’m surprised ya haven’t run into anyone like me before. ❞ he said, staring down at him. ❝ What am I ? ❞ he asked. He had to contemplate for a moment. He always asked himself that question. He was a multitude of things, honestly. 

❝ I guess ya could say I’m an abomination. But the technical term ? M’an Arrancar. The Sexta Espada..❞ Menae doesn’t know what those are, Grimmjow. ❝ Basically, I’m a ..spirit ‘a sorts. ❞ If he was ever human, that was long ago.. and he couldn’t remember a thing. Then he sniffed some.

❝ You aint normal either, kid. What are y o u ?❞

If having his handshake rejected bothered him at all, it didn’t show. Instead, he took his hand back and pulled out a rather small notebook from his jacket pocket and flipped it open. “Spirit Class...Arrancar.” He mumbled this to himself as he jot down the notes thoughtfully; a slight nod of his head noticeable.. He was a curious soul, always searching for new information like a glutton of knowledge. By taking notes, he’ll remember to look into it when he got the right resources. 

“Sexta...Espada huh...Not sure what that means but it sounds like an awfully cool title.” He flipped the notebook shut again and stood up straight with another grin. He was definitely pleased with this encounter so far. “As for myself-- I’m a Dream Eater. Full blooded...just born in a human body. Seems we’re both abominations huh?” Though the boy smiles because he does not care much at all.

He knew his demeanor was odd to Menae. He’d never seen him so scared or upset before, “ I–.. Yes. “ he gulped, “ My-.. My creator is home.. “ he said quietly. He wasn’t sure where Arro had gone, or how long he’d gone for. When he left the house, he said he’d be back soon and that was all.

“Your creator--?” He’d never gone out of his way to explain in full detail what it meant to be Pax’s creator. The man was more of a mystery than anything but Menae has heard plenty enough to feel an edge of discomfort by the mere mention of his presence. There was only one other person, or rather, Demon he felt this way about...

“...did he hurt you?”

   He had to think for a moment. Nearly one hundred percent of the people who could even seen him knew what it meant, and why it was just.. there on his face. ❝ Uh… ❞ he scratched his cheek before responding, ❝ Well, I used to be covered head t’toe in this stuff. I was in the form of a cat-like creature. Panther, I think is what ya call it ? Anyway.. I was changed into this, so, this mask is whats left of it..It isn’t being held on by anything, its.. just part of me. ❞ He didn’t really know how else to explain it. He also began to wonder why it was he was explaining this in the first place. He hated small talk. He would blame Ichigo. Made sense that way.

“Ah? Really?” Pardon the demon boy but he’s always had a fascination toward other species. He’s doing his best to learn everything he can about anything, after all. Such is the life of a Tamer in training. “I’ve never heard of anything like that before! And I’ve read into a lot of material, believe me.” There’s no hesitation or shame when he shoots out a hand towards the other with his smile inviting. He should really be more careful about the people he meets...

“It’s really great to meet you, sir. If you don’t mind--May I ask what it is you are?”

    “ M-Menae.. I-..I’m okay. “

“Hmm...? That didn’t look like ‘Okay’.” Menae pursed his lips a little, watching the other boy with concerned eyes. He then turned his body where he crouched, finally just letting himself fall to the floor and gave Pax his full attention. “You’re normally bouncing off the walls when I come by. Did something happen?”

    ❝ My mask ? Well, uh, it’s a part of me. It doesn’t really come off, unless ya break it. In which case it would hurt. ❞ It’s happened before. 

“Oh I see.. Well if it’s a part of you that makes a little more sense.” Menae was used to seeing stuff that was out of the ordinary due to his line of work. Oddly enough, to see someone who was clearly not a normal human with a hole in their stomach seemed to make more sense than a mask that hung on the side of their face. He wasn't quite sure how it stayed there... “So it’s attached to your cheek? Like an outgrown bone? Sugoi~”

Pax is distraught, and unsure of how to proceed at this moment in time. So he’s gonna sit here, silently, and hope for some relief.

Menae sits next to him by crouching, resting his hands on his knees and keeping quiet for a short time. Though, curiosity gets the better of him and he can’t help but turn his attention toward the white haired. “Ne, Pax? You seem down... are you alright?”

      ❝ The hell’re you lookin’ at, small fry ? ❞

    “I was looking at your silly mask. How do you keep that on? It seems it would fall off pretty easily huh...”

   He was glad the other returned home quickly. He had missed their training sessions, and getting to hang out. Aside from him, Asher didn’t really have any other friends to hang out with. He had people he talked to atschool, of course, but nobody really ‘hung out’ with him. ❝ I see ! I-I’m glad you had a wonderful time at home ! Y-You haven’t missed much here. Are you g-glad to be back ? ❞

“--more or less.” Menae mumbled to himself, golden eyes quickly glancing away as the suspicions of his headmaster manifest like always. His trust in her always gave him doubt ...but in the people around him-- In Asher here, well, things were better. A lot better. “I definitely missed being around you and the others.” He smiles again and adjusts his bags strap on his shoulder. “Were you headed anywhere? I’m hungry and wanna’ grab something to eat.”

Well, Menae knows nothing of these struggles due to his absence, but of course that never meant he wouldnt listen. That would all be up to Pax though. “Mhm.” The demon leaned close and pat the bag with his finger softly as he explained. “It’ll be very easy but I’ll help you out. My Mom has been taking care of her own garden for a long time so I know a few tricks.”

     && ;– @dreamretae

    “ M-.. Menae.. ? “ He hadn’t seen his teacher in what felt like years. But of course it was only months.

“How’s it going Pax?” Yep, it was Menae Takizawa in the flesh. He was carrying a little bag and had it held out to offer to the other male. Inside was a gift from his trip back home. Seeds for a camellia tree. Having a garden back home meant he had a lot of seeds to spare... and something colorful would make a nice gift. “It could be considered an apology gift if you want, but--I just wanted to bring a little bit of home back for you.”

     @dreamretae

    ❝ M-M-Menae ! Menae is t-that you ?!  W-Where        have you been ?! I– I haven’t seen you in so long !       I h-have missed you ! ❞ Wait. Was that weird ?      ❝ I– m–.. I mean ! It’s just been so long ! ❞ Asher,        you’ve already said that. And bow.

It wasn’t weird to Menae, he just saw it as a friend that missed his presence. He’d get like that to, when he left for home. Surprisingly, he’d come to really like the school out in the mountains where he met his first batch of friends. This one too.

“I’ve been visiting home.” He explained. “My little Sister got an award and there was a whole ceremony. I wanted to be there...and ended up being there a little longer than usual.” Oops.