Short Stacking (Hiroi/Hiroe)

The scent's here. Hiroi doesn't care much for the Rukongai. The small creature understood the fact that she's not supposed to wander around so casually, but she has something she's interested in, and it's hard to keep an interested creature still. Besides, the more her nose twitched, the harder it became to resist that animalistic calling. Though, some may question what her goal may be. It'd all become clear once the short Danava saw where the scent lead.

What is this place? It's just a building out in the Rukongai, nothing of real interest around. Then, why does it smell the way it does? It's up to Hiroi to investigate. That means she simply walked into the place, breaking down the door if it was locked. Anyone home? Hiroi didn't smell anything before she entered, but maybe someone masked their scent. That'd be a rather cautionary detail, considering how unsuspecting this situation is. Either way, time to get snooping, and Hiroi's quick to start wandering.

Hiroe's day went about as normal as one could typically expect on a day off from the academy. From taking care of a few chores to toying around with outfit concepts and illustrating ideas in her bedroom. All was fine with the universe. Hiroe was simply going to enjoy this day for what it as worth. Or so... that was her intent. What the hell!? Hearing the sound of the door being broken down, Hiroe's attention was suddenly pulled from her current activity as she opened the door to her room, grabbing her Asauchi with caution in her eyes.

"This is bullshit. Am I really being robbed on the one day I get to chill out?"

Grumbling quietly, Hiroe motioned around her door to spot the intruder. To be honest, it wasn't entirely the spitting image of a menacing individual looking to rob or cause her arm. She looked harmless really. Still, appearances could be deceiving! Whoever this raven-haired midget was didn't knock, and she wasn't really fond of the idea of an uninvited house guest. With asauchi at her hip, Hiroe called out to Hiroi, keeping her distance. Ready to unsheathe her weapon.

"Who the hell are you and what's the big idea knocking my door down!? I'm not rich like those people in the Seiretei, dammit...!"

"Shhh... Such profanity is unkempt for a young lady," Hiroi responded, her nose crinkled as she rose from her crouched position against what appeared to be a chair.

Another twitch, and her senses picked up on why she did not know the woman is here. Her stench is so ingrained in the environment that distinguishing it would prove impossible. What's worse, traces of another certain Danava coats the area enough to make the smaller creature barf. Disgust isn't an emotion Hiroi truly felt, but she can understand her neutered distaste for the current situation.

"This is your home," Hiroi would then state after a second of inner monologuing, tilting her head. Scarlet orbs focused on the other woman, serpentine eyes seeming to expand and shrink. She didn't bother with explaining her presence, one foot before the other as she neared her prey. Nothing could truly be felt from her, but a sense of warning would undoubtedly flare in anyone's mind. Hiroi moved like a predator, slowly, each step calculated before the next.

"Are you one of Kimitsuki's students?"

Hiroe shook her head as she noted the Danava approaching her step by step. As if matching the small woman's rhythm, Hiroe stepped back with each approaching step, fingers gripping tightly against the hilt of her Asauchi. To hell with talking with graceful language, this lady broke her door down when knocking could've achieved what she wanted without any issue. Unless she intended to fix it, it'd be difficult for Hiroe to explain the situation to her parents. She kept a distance, circling the woman to observe her with a hawklike gaze. She wasn't going to approach a complete unknown until she told her why she was here.

She couldn't really get a feel for this woman's intent, and her presence certainly didn't feel as if it belonged to a fellow soul. One gaze into those serpentine eyes caused a chill to run up her spine. What was she? Composure, Hiroe. Losing her cool would only invite weakness and disrupt her rhythm if a battle escalated. The next question threw her off her rhythm a little though, causing HIroe to tilt her head in confusion.

"Yes. I met her the other day. What about it?"

In a social situation, Hiroe would've certainly aimed to be more cordial, and speak about what their day featured but Hiroi made her feel a little uneasy. She had no idea who this woman was, and if she happened to be an enemy of Kimitsuki, well... no need to speak needless information that would lead her to her whereabouts right?

One can try and hide their fear all they want, but a predator always knows when the hunted realize they're on the menu. Hiroi, despite herself, couldn't help but lick her lips. Her new friend is making a nice scene out of this situation, matching her pace as if they existed on equal terms.

"Kimitsuki travels a lot. Kimitsuki's always meeting new people. Hiroi's always left behind."

Eyes narrowing, the look of contempt painted Hiroi's features, her childish form seemingly unraveling as scales cracked the surface of her cheeks, tearing skin free. Her small fingers twisted with darkness, nails enlarging into dainty claws.

"It's unfair to not share, don't you agree?"

Every single moment spent within this woman's presence only exacerbated Hiroe's unease. The narrowing of herr eyes, the subtle shifts in her skin, and the venomous contempt in her voice wore away at the woman's composure. It took every single iota of willpower not to soar in and strike at the woman. Perhaps, a draw-and-slash like they taught her in swordsmanship study?

No, Hiroe. You've not a single idea of the enemy's abilities. Racing in for any type of attack will get you killed. Deep breaths. Steady mind. Rinse... and repeat.

A bead of sweat trickled down her head, noting the petite woman's words. She seemed quite familiar with Kimitsuki the way she spoke. What was her relationship with her? What did leaving her behind mean? Goddamit, why couldn't she just have one simple day!? Ugh...

"How... how do you know Kimitsuki? I'll only share if I don't get the idea you're someone out to get her. That's only fair, right, Hiroi?"

"Possible lunch shouldn't speak so unruly," Hiroi spat. However, the Danava stopped and focused her eyes on the ground, debating something in her mind.

"Kimitsuki is Hiroi's only friend," Hiroi then stated after a second, lifting her gaze back to Hiroe. For a second, the danava had a less predatory look, her expression stiffed by a solemn overcast. That look lasted no time at all though, the smaller creature suddenly growling and showing fangs at the other woman.

"You're rather pathetic for a Shinigami."

Possible lunch? What the hell was going on with this stranger proclaiming her friendship with Kimitsuki? Why her? All because she desire to accept an offer to spend time with a woman she genuinely thought was cool? Why was she so upset with her? What was the true nature of their relationship that she'd threaten someone else's life...? A bead of sweat trickled down Hiroe's cheek, fingers grasping at the hilt of her Asauchi as she shifted her feet around.

For a moment, she thought the woman was prepared to be reasonable about this, but Hiroi seemed more compelled to defy those expectations. In reality, she proved to be anything but, those next words cut deep into her spirit with the precision of a sharp blade. It was a scathing insult that actually caused her to stop to a halt, momentarily pausing any and all movement.

You're rather pathetic for a Shinigami.

She was a stranger. There was no reason why those words should've affected her on any level. What did she know about her, huh? Did she give off pathetic energy, simply because she made the conscious choice not to strike her when she entered her home? To try and resolve this with some semblance of peace? Tch... Her lips trembled in rage as her grip tightened around her sword. To hell with being afraid. She entered her home. If anything, she was the one who ought to be called pathetic.

"I'm not gonna take that from some creepy ass midget who broke down my door in search of their "only friend" as if they're obsessed with the woman. Threatening to eat me.... Talking about how she's always leaving you behind. if I'm pathetic as a shinigami... you're pathetic as a friend. Now get out of my home or I'll force you out."

Drawing her sword, she no longer cared for precaution. She was rightfully enraged. She'd made the attempts at reason, but she could never brook any disrespect concerning her dream - one of the few things that gave her life meaning.

"Even the mouse, when faced with death, learns how to bare its fangs at the lion. Humanity continues to prove... annoying."

When was the last time this creature has ever known battle? Reservoirs of memories assaulted the natural mind of the Danava, leaving the woman with an annoying headache. However, the monstrous scenes playing out behind her eyes gave Hiroi a strange sense of excitement at the idea of crossing paths with another in such a manner. For a second, the idea of hunting, fighting, winning, and feasting engulfed the Danava's thoughts, devouring the modesty Hiroi knew. Not even the repercussions of her actions mellowed her sudden change in mood, old desires proving stronger than new bonds.

"A... pathetic... friend... Hiroi?"

Hiroi's expression darkened, her lack of control over her own meaning for existing spilling from her consciousness. It becomes harder for the Danava to control her emotions the more she is pushed, and she found the idea of being seen as less by Kimitsuki a grave future to envision. Fragile chains holding back the monster inside slowly eroded, Hiroi's remaining sanity holding itself together for the sake of keeping appearances. However, the maliciously invasive energy of the small Danava spilled free from her darkening visage. Just to keep it together, Hiroi made herself as still as a statue, arms wrapping around themselves, hugging her small form as her head fell.

Hiroe was well aware of the harshness of her words. Did she expect them to have a visible impact on the menacing woman that occupied unwarranted company in her home? No, not necessarily. She was a friendly spirit, there was no need for Hiroi to approach her this way. The vibrant woman merely admired Kimitsuki as someone who aspired to be as cool as she appeared, in both demeanor and appearance.

To be threatened in her own home was something she could not abide in the slightest. Even so, words betrayed actions. Hiroe had remained in the same position she chose to occupy from the outset. The malicious energy that dominated the atmosphere caused her to breathe heavily several beads of sweat set in against her pale features.

For all the vitriol she'd unleashed in her scathing response, Hiroe was clearly out of her element. She had never known what it was like to battle someone with the possibility of losing her life. Was she pathetic, truly? A mere dreamer out of touch with reality? Her heartbeat quickened, and her arms trembled. No. This wasn't the ideal image of a true Shinigami. So why? Why couldn't she follow through? Was this fear? Her statuesque form should have lessened her worry, but the dark visage and the ominous aura Hiroi emitted robs her of any notion that she is safe, that she can escape this situation unscathed.

For the first time, she truly knew what fear felt like. Yet, she could not act.

"Go. Now. Leave my house. You can have Kimitsuki. I don't want me or my family endangered. Just get out of here and never come back. Or do you still wish to threaten me?"

Stepping forward with trembling legs, Hiroe pointed towards the door. This woman had caused what was otherwise a fruitful day to be one that would bother her for some time, one where she would question her inability and her potential prospects for the future. If she wished to incite further damage, Hiroe simply had no idea what to do. If she had to fight, she would fight.