001: Video

[acardic]

[The characteristic reiatsu emanating from the field is probably enough of a giveaway of who has recently arrived for those who are particularly attuned to detecting it. It precedes the post by about half an hour.

The denizens of Siren's Port are treated to an nondescript view of fences, and then a person whose pallor is a far too anemic to be considered healthy or even compatible with life. Ulquiorra frowns as if to preemptively dissuade unnecessary discussion, and he speaks in a tone all at once dryly thankless and vaguely threatening. Even as he asks for information, the act distinctly comes across as an order.]

It would be wise if somebody were to inform me of where I am, and who is responsible for bringing me here. The trash from SERO, and AGI were most uninformative.

[After that pleasantry, the tone levels off into a much more business like demeanor.]

Should the other Espada be present, we have much to discuss.

Comments

[that_is_asecret]

[He watches with a bit of interest. It seemed he was one accustomed to having people fear him in some degree. From what he had been told by Phibrizzo, they were decently powerful enough, but he wasn't concerned, nor did he seem as he had a couple of licks of his ice cream cone]

Well, you were brought here by a powerful device called the Core, heavily protected by SERO. There are things called Nulls and Voids which can neutralize your power and make you weak as a human.

[It was some relevant information, he certainly knew more, but figured the power nullification would be of more interest to the Espada]

[acardic]

. . .

[He contemplates this in silence. The priest's continued nonchalance is ignored for the time being. The existence of creatures to specifically neutralize powers indicates a purpose. Containment, being the most obvious of implications. Subjugation being another.]

For what end.

[that_is_asecret]

[He certainly wasn't a particularly a talkative one, was he? He had gotten his attention certainly with the comment about the voids and nulls. They had interested him as well]

They seem to be part of a way to defend the Core from any powered individual attempting to get at it. It also makes it easier to capture dissidents, who are either troublesome individuals, or have an ability which is particularly... interesting.

[acardic]

[Therefore, it would stand to reason that the destruction of the Core would result in the reversal of the current predicament, if the Core was the root cause of it. For Ulquiorra, however, who has taken his last breath on the dome of Las Noches, the potential is not one that appeals him in any significant manner.]

You are speaking of potential research subjects amongst those drawn in by this "Core."

[that_is_asecret]

[Xellos pauses for a moment, while Newcomers could certainly be targets, they were not the only ones.]

Yes and no. The Core draws people of powers from this world and others.

[acardic]

What is this world.

[Mind you, Ulquiorra is humoring this, not... necessarily believing any of it.]

[that_is_asecret]

[Xellos never lies Ulquiorra, matter of principle]

Well, this is apparently an alternate version of a world called Earth. The island, Sirens Port is located off a country called Canada. Unfortunately exploring is difficult as after you move so far in any direction you are drawn back in. You can test that for yourself if you'd like.

[acardic]

[Earth. So this is the human world, after all. Albeit a very unfamiliar part of the human world. Regardless, Ulquiorra doesn't need the invitation to test that piece of information. Without offering an explanation, Ulquiorra removes a hand from his hakama, and strikes downwards. The resulting tear in space-time, a Garganta, opens, like a dark void leading to nowhere.

Hueco Mundo is his intended destination, but when he steps inside, he cannot go further, drawn back as if by magnetism to the Core. As he steps back out, the portal shuts, and the air mends itself, like no such thing ever existed in the first place. The hand returns to his pocket, and Ulquiorra's displeasure becomes even further etched into the lines of his face. He mutters to himself.]

Human trash.

[Addressing the priest-]

And the nature of these experiments?

[that_is_asecret]

[He watches with some interest. You didn't see people using interdimensional travel everyday after all. It was interesting they were capable of such things. The negative emotion coming off the Espada was quite pleasant however.]

I think your comrade Syazel may have a better clue then I, he worked with SERO for a time.

[acardic]

[Szayel. The name does get a raised brow of recognition for a moment, but after that, his expression settles back into a familiar displeasure.]

You know him.

[The last syllable is uttered with an unmistakable superciliousness, that Ulquiorra does not explain.]

In what capacity?

[that_is_asecret]

Oh, I've only talked to him once. Though you forced him to teach a charge of mine science lessons. He is known around the port for some of his experiments.

[acardic]

[The frown becomes even more pronounced at that.]

Why should I have done that?

[that_is_asecret]

[His finger goes to his lips]

That... is a secret!

[If he really wants to know why, he can contact Phibrizzo himself]

[acardic]

[Except Ulquiorra does not like this answer. Vagueish threats start back up..]

You would do well to choose other secrets to hide form me, Priest.

[that_is_asecret]

[He opens his eyes a little revealing purple irises predatory looking, his tone flatter]

Not my secret to tell. You'd have to talk to Phibrizzo about that.

[acardic]

Noted.

[While the act does register as one that's intended to be threatening, Ulquiorra isn't intimidated. Or rather, he's intrigued that the entity before him is apparently taking him a little more seriously.]

Then you shall explain your familiarity with me.

[that_is_asecret]

[His eyes close again and he chuckles at the phrase]

Was that a question or a statement? I like keeping tabs of interesting beings, as well as those who return and have no memory of ever being here.