Sand as Far as the Eye Can See. [Desert of HM]

[Toboe]

It was never ending, the sand kept going on and on as far as the eye could see. The scenery was as barren as it could get, no trees, no shrubs, nothing; just a few random bones spread out breaking the monotony. The only sound was sand being shuffled around by dragging feet slowly moving across the ground. Diran let out a long drawn out sigh as he looked up towards the sky. He was bored, very bored. His hopes of finding a small creature to slaughter has completely dissipated along with his will to keep going in his current direction.

Doing an about face, the Vasto Lorde turned around and started to head back home; if that is what it could be called. Diran didn't care too much about those living with him, apart from Rikki they could all die and he wouldn't lose a bit of sleep. He was only using them anyway, the death of any of them would only be a slight setback. He smirked at the idea of Nicciele biting the dust, even if the chances of it was minuscule; it still made him happy to imagine the Palida Luna leader falling over in a heap of his own blood.

Pushing those thoughts aside as he came across a small skull, he gave it a swift kick. The skull went hurtling though the air; pieces falling from it as it soared; creating a small dust cloud from where it landed. "If I were anymore bored I'd rape myself just for the excitement..." A puzzled expression took form on his face as he thought over what he just said, having a hard time believing that he'd rape himself, others maybe, but not himself. "Why... did I say that?" Shaking his head and happily pushing those thoughts way into the back. He continued onward, not paying much attention to where he was going; not realizing that his time alone was now limited. After all, there were more than just himself wandering about the sands that day.

[Bishiglomper]

"Perhaps the lack of intellectual stimulant is making your brain rot."

A voice drifted from over the dunes; the owner of said snark leisurely strolling toward the lone arrancar seemingly out of nowhere. His hands were rested in the slits of his hakama; his posture a relaxed one as if he were out merely to enjoy the scenery. He was in no hurry at all to reach whatever destination he had in mind. Not at all.

The approaching arrancar's demeanor was a pretentious one. His half smirk was one of amusement, an expression that graced his features fairly often. "Or maybe the alone time has caused secret obscurites to burble up from that droll mind of yours..."

Zellse now stood some yards before Diran at this point. As stated before, he wasn't in any hurry. Why not stick around when there's company to liven up the afternoon? At any rate, the one he was due to report to most likely didn't give a shit. He felt he was entitled to a little playtime.

[Toboe]

Diran let out an exasperated sigh as he turned to face the annoyance; but the annoyed expression soon changed to a mischievous smirk as he brushed the bangs out of his eyes. It was obvious that the red-haired hollow had something on his mind. "Oh Zellse-kun! If my alone time has caused you such worry, maybe you can help me take care of my ... what was it..., secret obscurities. After all, there is no one else around here who'd I'd rather spend my long earned time alone with than you." Diran only looked towards him for a moment before turning away; kicking over a large stone, causing it to roll down the hill with a small cascade of sand falling in it's wake. He really wanted to know why Zellse was out there, if there really was a reason that is. The desert was vast, so the chances of them running into one another was slim, but not impossible; too bad Diran's mind was too simple to comprehend that. He really thought Zellse was out there because of him.

"Seriously... why the hell are you out here? What does Nicciele want?" Diran said Nicciele's name with a hint of aggravation. Working for him took a toll on his nerves, always making him want to hurt someone, anyone. He turned back towards Zellse and waited for the answer; impatiently crossing his arms.

[Bishiglomper]

His smirk dropped to a frown. "Thanks for the offer, but I couldn't care less about your fetishes. Play with yourself on your own time."
Much to his chagrin, he tried to get the undesired image of Diran doing anything remotely sexual with or around Zellse out of his head; it was enough to make his stomach queasy. "I could think of better company I'd rather keep in that regard."

Thinking perhaps the simpleton wasn't as much fun anymore, thus not worth anymore of his time, Zellse continued his lazy stroll in the direction he was headed.

Before he took his leave however, he slowed down to circle Diran. "What does Nicciele-sama want? Hmm.. nothing from you, I'm sure. Why don't you go ask him?"

He smiled to himself. Though it would surely be amusing to think something up for Diran to do, he didn't want it to bite him in the ass. No point getting them both killed.

Zellse's thoughts wondered to what the little one would do without Diran. They were almost inseperable, and the child would get whiny if he was without his companian for too long. The fact alone would perhaps result in the arrancar's early demise.

The musing suddenly made Zellse aware that the parasite was missing. He regarded Diran with veiled curiosity. "Leave the brat at home today? So you really were looking for company?" Not that he genuinely cared, but the added poke to his intentions was enough to satisfy Zellse for the time being.

[Toboe]

"I have to say that I am disappointed, I would have shown you a good time." Diran chuckled but soon stopped as the other started to circle him. He gritted his teeth at the meer mention of him asking Nicciele anything; his tone going from amused to very irate. "Why the fuck would you think I'd go ask that bitch if he needed me for anything!? Tch, that ass can suck it for all I care! It is my day off! I just wanted to make sure his highness didn't send you to get me." The hollow continued to watch Zellse while not moving himself from where he stood. He reminded him a lot of a large fly buzzing around the head. It was a small annoyance that started to chip away at one's tolerance until the breaking point.

"I left Rikki behind because he was sleepy. Why does it matter to you?!" Diran's tone had quickly turned from annoyed to slightly worried. He cared a lot about Rikki, and would give his life if he had to for the little guy. His hand slowly reached up and grabbed onto his shoulder where the little one would normally be latched. It really did feel weird without him.

[Bishiglomper]

Zellse stopped to stare dead-pan at Diran. "You're so vulgar," the stare turned to one that held a hint of irritation. "If you are so disapproving of Nicciele why have you sided with him? His ranks are rising- should you get on his bad side or give him any reason to think you were a threat, a nuisance as it were... I'm sure he wouldn't hesitate to dispose of you."

Then almost as an afterthought, Zellse grinned. "Also I hear that Aizen is still looking for more arrancar. He might be willing to settle for you. You could always return. Though I'm not positive you'd be welcome back with open arms. Unsheathed weapons, perhaps..."


It wasn't any secret to Zellse that Diran was once sided with the shinigami ex-captain. It was before Zellse's time as a fraccion, but Diran wore his hate for the man right on his sleeves. Mention of the arrancar's resignation from Las Noches still came up from time to time with some of the arrancar who were around. He was disapointed to miss such a leave. It had sounded like fun.

"It doesn't matter. Not to me at least. I couldn't care less what happened to it."

The tone in the other's demand for an answer didn't go unnoticed. For someone who seemed like he didn't give a shit about others, he certainly seemed to have made a connection with the brat. In Zellse's opinion, it was superfluous. Relationships of any sort were bound to cause trouble. In Hueco Mundo, it was survival of the fittest. Eat, or be eaten. There was no purpose in attaching yourself to something that was bound to either turn on you or dissapear. Whichever happened first.

"Speaking of the little bug... I think it's realized you abandoned it." Zellse gazed just past Diran's head for in that direction he could feel the little one's reiatsu approaching from across the desert. By means of Sonido, a figure came from over the sandy horizon. The tiny form was dwarfed even more by comparason to the bleached dunes. As it approached the sight was almost comical- a tiny child with an oversized coat dragging behind... racing across the desert by itself. It reached the vacinity of the two arrancar and you could see the child's eyes were large and bright.

"Diran-sama!" it called in it's childlike voice.

Rikki threw out his arms at Diran, his sleeves hanging down from the unnecessary length of them and ran toward the favored of the two arrancar. He had spent a long while looking for his friend! He didn't know why he left him at Palida Luna, he just wished he wasn't mad at Rikki. (That would make Rikki sad.)

[Toboe]

"Aizen discarded me as if I were nothing. I worked my ass off to become what he wanted. And his way to show gratitude is to have his lackeys try to fucking kill me. Pissed me off enough to join another prick who is probably not much better. So I'd rather not go back there, but thank you!" Diran spat on the ground before he started to walk again, that was until Zellse pointed out that Rikki was rushing towards them. There was no mistake about it, he would recognize that voice anywhere. He quickly came to a halt and turned around, kneeling down so he could embrace the little one.

"Rikki, what are you doing way out here? You know I don't like you wandering around without me. There are bigger hollows out there who may try to eat you up. " Diran picked up the little hollow and turned back towards Zellse, his expression a bit softer than before, obviously because of Rikku. Diran changed his attitude a greatly around the child, not swearing or making any sexual innuendos; if he did swear, he'd tell Rikki right away to never repeat what was just said. "Zellse, I would really like for you to not... tell Nicciele what I said." He had all the right to be worried, Nicciele wouldn't be happy if he had heard the words that came out of Diran.

[Bishiglomper]

Rikki embraced Diran with a big grin as he picked him up. He threw his oversized sleeves enthusiastically around his neck in a big hug. The chibi happily nuzzled his protector's chest. He was happy Diran-sama wasn't upset at him. He didn't even mind being chastised! He was just glad he found him. He looked aaaaall over!

' 'm sorry, Diran-sama. I won' do it again!"

He only went out 'cause Diran-sama wasn't there when he woke up. So he had to, to find him to play with. He didn't mean to go against his wishes. Diran took good care of Rikki. He was like a big brother! Or a daddy-person. Rikki didn't know, he didn't remember what a daddy was like. Or if he'd ever had one. He just knew he had a Diran.

Bright chibi eyes regarded his friend curiously. Did Diran-sama say somethin' about Nicciele? Rikki was fully aware of his friend's tempter. And his reckless mouth. It got him in trouble sometimes. Was he gonna get in trouble with Nicciele-sama?

He hoped he didn't do anything to make Nicciele mad. He'd get yelled at! Or worse, beaten up! Rikki didn't like that; he didn't want anyone to beat up his Diran-sama. Sometimes Rikki wished Diran-sama had a Diran of his own to protect him like he did Rikki. (Though he wouldn't like sharing at all!)

Rikki was only paying half attention to the other arrancar. He was kinda scary. He knew Diran could take him! ...But he also knew he wouldn't try. He'd get in trouble with Nicciele. Zellse was around Nicciele a lot; they must be friends or something. If Rikki were him, he'd be mad if someone said something mean about Rikki or his friend.

Zellse still regarded Diran with a half-glare. He may have tried to renege his proclaimation about the Palida Luna leader, but Zellse wasn't sure he felt like letting him off the hook. But was it really worth risking one's life just to let Nicciele know of the potential threat? Right now he was just an annoyance. Zellse supposed, for now.... he'd just have to keep an eye on the tempermental red-head.

"I'm sure you would like a lot of things... but I have better things to do than tattle on useless..." He paused for a moment, "..conversations."

Zellse turned his attention to the child in the other's arms. 'Useless...'
Said child looked up at Zellse, feeling his gaze. In response Zellse grinned, almost maniacly.

"I would listen to him you know. Plenty of hollows would find you quite tasty. Don't go wandering around unsupervised, squirt."

Rikki was silent; his only response being to climb up Diran and swing himself around so that he held onto the arrancar's shoulders as he hung from behind. He gripped Diran's collar tightly, obviously unsettled. Scary Zellse was scary. Rikki settled to peer from over Diran-sama's shoulder the rest of the time.

[Toboe]

"It's alright, Rikki. I'm sorry for leaving you without saying something." Diran gave the little one a quick pat on the head. It was impossible for him to be angry at Rikki for any period of time. He allowed the little hollow to climb over him as Zellse spoke, knowing that he probably was scared of him; not that Diran blamed him. Zellse did seem like the type who'd kick a puppy if given the chance.

He was pretty sure Zellse wouldn't say anything to Nicciele, at least he never has yet. The hollow seemed like the type who'd try to avoid unnecessary confrontations with the Palida Luna leader if at all possible. Though... anyone probably would if they knew him. Diran shifted his weight to the right as Rikki tugged back on his collar, obviously giving him a little trouble. "Rikki, careful please!"

"Better things to do, huh? Sounds kinda fishy... Nicciele hasn't been asking much of us lately. Doing something on the side, are we?" There would be very little more that'd make Diran more happy than get some dirt on Zellse, or any other hollow working along side him. He let out a sigh with a fake troubled look on his face. "Oh I have no idea what I'd do if I were to find out something like that. You not tattling on me should make me want to do the right thing and not tattle on you in return." He knew that Zellse would never tell him something of that nature, but if he showed any signs of nervousness it'd give it away.

[Bishiglomper]

The little arrancar quietly whined at Diran, but let up on his hold of the arrancar's collar. Instead Rikki pulled himself up on his shoulder a bit, with his sleeves cascading down the arrancar's chest so he could see Diran's face. Rikki didn't utter a word, but his bright child-like eyes gazed at Diran-sama practically pleading 'Can we GO yet? PLEASE?'


Zellse gave Diran a mock skeptical look, "Oh.. does that mean you do have morals? I'm surprised. I hadn't tagged you as the considerate type..."

The arrancar was fully aware of Diran's probe for any dirt he could get on Zellse. Not that it phased him of course- his own nature kept him from being read as easily as most. It came from a lifetime of calculating any's intentions.. and how he could benefit. Sometimes of course, he just didn't care one way or another. Something as trivial as being bothered by what others were wary of, regarding his own intentions... well.

Zellse shook his head in wry amusement. If Diran were smart enough to get anything from him, it would be futile. The leader of Palida Luna was already aware of most of Zellse's doings. Should Diran have been on the other side, however- potential complicated could arise. But that wasn't the case. As of now, if Diran tried to share anything with Nicciele that the vasto lorde already knew, Zellse was fairly sure he'd be punished for wasting his time.

He chuckled, "If you're so concerned with what I tell Nicciele, you're better off not mentioning the things you say about him. Then there'd be no worry. But like I said... I have better things to do. Things that are none of your business." The last bit was said with a more serious tone. How serious he was; that was up to Diran to figure out.

Zellse figured it was about time he returned to headquarters. Nicciele would be waiting for him. He resumed his stroll in the direction of Palida Luna. As he about passed Diran he had one last word with the arrancar, conveying it with a bit of a knowing smile.

"Though... feel free to notify Nicciele-sama of anything suspicious. I'm sure there'd be a reward for one being so diligent."

The advice could be taken either way; while Nicciele would appreciate and reward diligence accordingly; if Diran had any intelligence about him, he would ignore any suspicions he had about Zellse- as told by the concealed threat within his words. He would have to worry about that himself now, Zellse had a report to deliver.

He departed with nothing but a wave and a 'See ya', leaving Diran and the little arrancar alone in the vast sandy wasteland.

Rikki for one, was glad to see him go.