Fiery Lioness meets Cool Lion? [Amaranta | Tento]

location: Dallas, Texas

Free time was not a common thing it seemed now that Tento was a part of the Gotei United. Missions, duties, training, and constant learning it seemed was what he was always doing in the 4th Division. A fact that he enjoyed and even at times loved. But, it gave not as much time as he somewhat carefree nature would like in the terms of R & R, but, what could ya do? He went with it as best as he could, and due to this, when he found that he suddendly would have a lot of time available to himself. He decided to take a trip to the world of the living. DALLAS!!

A squad member had told Tento about things to see and a bit of the vibe. He had never been here when he was alive, even though he was just a state away. Busy life and a sudden death took out any travel plans and goals he had for a long life.

Sigh.

He was here now. And although he could not find Amon to bring with, he was not going to let that stop him. He would have fun without a buddy and tour guide. He was out and exploring dressed in a light grey hooded jacket that had a inner lining red color, a blue undershirt that color came up a little, with matching blue jeans and white sneakers. His body moved lightly and slowly down a path; the sight of a lake coming into view. The lake was glimmering in the callow light of dawn. The ears of the Shinigami listening in to the tales that mom's and dad's whispered to their little children as they held them or walked that got curious of the lake. A mix of stories but one that Tento heard and made a happy smirk come to his face; a talllle a legend. One of a giant hand that had scooped out a gash of rock eons ago. Then a great heap of argent-silver was molded and poured into it, hemmed in by precipitous hills.

It was not bad, and if Tento was a kid again (and not a Shinigami or had not, well, the world be the way that it was the the spiritual aspects of life weren't so much more present and in your face) he would have doubted it. But now, he had a smaaaaaall wonder if the tale was true a little. He turned hs head, a broad pan of Tuscany-blue sky was slashed above it all, making it appear like nature’s amphitheatre. The side curves making the sight like a miniature valley as the sounds bounced off and were magnified from all sides. Soft steps, laughs, bubbling streams and the busy bumble of bees. The visage of the lake was veneer-clear and tranquil, flanked by an avenue of cedar and oak trees. Perfection to the scene while the water glided with sun light pale lilies. Plip-plopping fish caused concentric rings to puff out and disappear as the air hummed all around. A phalanx of flies was patrolling the water’s edge, called into service by the heaven-filtering light, a small crumbs left by the carefree picnic havers of the week.

The Unrefined Paragon

Tentō Zefā

It was lovely, peaceful. Dare he say it? ...Perfect. A perfect serene picture that Tento wanted to fall within. Soak within the waving folds and become one. Oh, perhaps he would mediate!! Yes that sounded like a-

WHAT ON THE POPO ON A HOCKEY STICK!?!?

Tento thought feeling the incoming presence of two forces, two that felt light on fire and against one another as if they were playing a game of tug of war. And this was a fierce game if that was the case. Tento let his senses flow and sharped, using the reikaku technique to feel out and see them from where his eyes could not currently see. The presence and energy coming slowly closer but it was easy to feel and taste the intensity of the power. It was familiar. One was a Hollow and... OH SHIT WAS THE OTHER ONE WAS AN ARRANCAR!?!? Tento's eyes opened with shock and a serious wave of energy swirling within him. He had barely faced a number of Hollows before in a few missions since his placement within the Gotei United. Arrancar was a whole other thing, he had faced one and that lady really gave him a run for his money. His mind still felt shook when remembering it.

His eyes were glued to the two forces, much like the crowd of people around who noticed. A leonine woman with an impressive height to her, only being a few inches shorter than himself. Her speed and strength though was something even more impressive. The speed and power of her fierce combo of strikes to the dome of the retreating Hollow leaving him awestruck and apprehensive. Just what was such a Hollow and Arrancar doing here? If he had to guess and estimate, the Hollow she was fighting was an Adjuchas-class Hollow. He, she, it? Was a bull and most definitely trying to give the horns. Matching the lady pace for pace, blow for blow. If it was not a strong as her it was most certainly just as fast. On and on the two fought before they arrived at the bewildered civilians, a shout coming from Tento. "Get back!" Although that was not needed for him to say. The people around him, for the most part, were already on their way to get as far from the scene that they could. The ones that had not yet moved away immediately when Tento yelled. The azure water splashing into the air and soaking heads. The two figures temporarily blurry silhouettes.

In a blur the dark figures moved, soaring into the air and slamming it onto the ground in a resounding show of strength, shattering most of its body on impact; and the ground itself. A heavy dust cloud of water, grass, and dirt quivered; a shock wave that all but pushed the retreating civilians further away as if it was giving a speed boast to their fearful panic. The ones that stayed had their eyes covered instinctively by the forceful wind. Tento's eyes and then the ones fascinated, or frozen in fear, watched on in the show. Tento's body grew tense,his muscles preparing as he witnessed Amaranta exit the lake covered in water. Her eyes felt distant, relaxed, observative like a top predator surveying her domain.

And then her eyes locked onto him.

So much for blending in the crowd and calling for back up...

Human clothes and a repressed signature energy did nothing with hiding himself. Some ability or....well. She was a feline; could have smelled him. Wait....did Soul Reapers smell different from regular humans? By that mark did full bringers have an unique smell? Quincies? WAIT WHAT THE HECK AM I THINKING RIGHT NOW??? Questions for later.

Well...might as well get to it then. He reached into his left pocket from his long distance away, pressing the device within the confines of his pocket. His spiritual body popped out of his gigai. The empty shell of a vessel fell back on to ground flat on his back. Fully dawned in his uniform, Tento carefully placed his hand hovering over his hilt. His posture serious and calm, as much as he could try. A dedication to use his sword if he had to use it. The energy of thee Arrancar was powerful and a bit exciting, but Tento one mindset was of something else if she proved hostile. Protection. There were fleeing civilians, elders, families, kids. His duty...was to protect them. Dead or alive. If she gave him a reason to think he had to, he would grip his sword and draw it out. No questions ask without hesitation.

But maaaybe he could distract her by talking? She did...say yo after all. Time to try the good ol' Tento charm then.

"Yo, is breaking into a massive fight with a dramatic entry how you always greet people?", he said giving a somewhat slow wave with his other hand before scratching his cheek. "Or is this just an exciting day at the park for you".

....no....not smooth. Not smooth at all Tento.

He did take a glance over her with his eyes. Seeking weapons and anything that stood out. And there was a bit that did. Ayo...she kinda' a baddie on the low.....

WAIT A DAMN MINUTE THIS IS NOT THE TIME NOR THE PLACE.

]

The Unrefined Paragon

Tentō Zefā

Tento was a thoughtful man. A go getter at times sure and not scared of a fight. But combat to him was't about only power. Or speed. Or ones abilities and techniques. It was about one's mind. Thinking. Planning, focus. And seeing when, one needed to fight, and only doing so when one had to. Tento felt that his body was a weapon, call it a call back from his time learning martial arts when he was alive. A trained weapon was powerful and scary, and such a power held a type of responability to it. One had to choose when to unleash it.

And this was not the right moment to.

Just by watching the fight between Amaranta and the Bull looking Hollow, her physical power was simply overwhelming of anythin he thought he could do so easily. And she may have been calm and reserved, but he felt a glimpse of it while she was fighting and felt that he could feel more just getting closer to her. She had a large amount of spiritual pressure. Her energy was waiting underneath starring like a hunter waiting to pounce. The only reason anyone of the civilians could run away right now was because she was controlling her energy. He hadn't seen a full look yet...he wondered if anyone of them could even out run her. That was why he didn't go on the offensive and why his body, mind, and sword was in a defensive responsive position. If she went after the ones running away behind him, he needed to be there ready to intercept. Even with a speed advantage if she had it over him, he hoped that the distance that would needed to be covered could be used to his advantage. Either way, the longer he distracted he with conversation, the more time more people had to get away. And if he went head first into combat with her, there was no telling where the battle would go and if anyone would get caught in the cross fire.

....calling in back up was something he should do. But, for some reason. He wanted to see what this Arrancar would do. She wasn't attacking, not even looking hostile. Just a little talkative. But why? Was she buying time? Her body was recovering after all, he had no idea if that was taking a bit of her energy but he could really be playing into her hands here....

Perhaps this Arrancar is like the last one young warrior?

"I doubt she is out here taking people's memories". A soft chuckle coming mentally to his sword. He still did not know its name, but being able to talk to them finally was a big thing for Tento. He felt a bigger harmony with himself and his being. As if more of his power was at use and alive. Having his Zanpatuko spirit talk to him was soothing, and that was greatly appreciated when the tan skinned Leonine Arrancar approached him an arrogant swagger with each step that just rubbed him wrong. Pride in oneself was healthy and good, but arrogance was an whole other thing.

Still, he stood there on guard and aware all the same. A layer of calmness on the outside even though internally he could feel the tension in the air being softly brushed. Just what would the picture of the interaction between these two would be?

His deep brown eyes gazed at her as got close. Passively observing her features for any hint of a weak point or desired action. She was just as tall as him and had extremely well tone muscles; them abs and legs. But she still had a strong feminine look. A warrioress. He wondered what was underneath it all and what skills she had within her graps. It was a bit exciting and jarring to be around an strong Hollow such as he, would his mettle be tested on this day? His breath let out a cool yet tense breath, muscles relaxing seeking balance. That interaction with Cala where she could have gotten a killing blow on him made him sure of one thing.

This was not training, a game, or a spar. This. Was real.

"Exciting and chaotic madam. That Hollow seemed to be really upset at you, but perhaps just afraid with how it was running away. My name is Tento Zefa, and I do appreciate the aid in handling it in a control-ed place. So, what are you doing here, and why were you two fighting?".

The Unrefined Paragon

Tentō Zefā

"Sooooo, you egged that Hollow on? Must have been really bored", he said in a very causal tone. Tento eyed Amaranta as she spoke. Well, she seemed, pleasant? Enough. Couldn't say much about the talk a lot of shit stuff. Doesn't look like she has fecal matter coming out of her mouth. But in all seriousness, the fact that she talked trash was not...too much of a thing. It would not be the first time he met a cocky person that talked big. A hot head perhaps was what she was, But how was she a hot head? Banter, some ego, and trash talking back and forth was nothing too bad. As long as it was healthy. Disrespect was a different thing. He had no idea the social limits with Hollows, but that was still a big then to get into a whole brawl just flying and smashing about because Amaranta talked a lot of shit.

Such was an interesting question to wonder. What was the social emotional aspects of a Hollow that reached Arrancar level? Sure, he studied about Hollows at Shin'o Academy, and beyond the tales of their pitiful pit fall into despair and the evils of humanity. There was no structure of them. Wondering vessels of souls that dreamed of souls, longed for souls, and consumed souls. Of the mortals, of themselves, and of the soul reapers. Simply seeking to go to some never ending changing goal that became more distant and empty the more one came. Humanity returned in some different yet twisted way when they became Arrancars. As well as humanoid forms. But, what came of their meaning? Of how they interacted with each other beyond the hunt or be hunted spinning wheel that many were stuck in?

He wondered.

Would it be a pleasure meeting another Arrancar? Then again, when was meeting a Hollow and interacting with them ever such a thing? Tamed ones were still a wear on the mind in his experience after all. It was interesting to hear that she stated that their tussle would have rathered been settled with words. Perhaps conversation was all that could be have before Amaranta went away content? He did recall when Hollows became Arrancars, they did become more humane and leave a small piece of their madness for simply eating souls and the by product destruction.

"Acclimate to Earth? As in live on Earth? Decided to check out the greener side?", he asked in a light joke. "Or was it more of the case of Hueco Mundo getting a little dry for you?", was he crazy dumb or bold!???? His sword wanted to do several things. Say he was over doing it, criticize him about his at ease manner, or that he was simply.... Ugh, Tento. "Either way, you got some way to make an entrance for a new way of live Amaranta, wouldn't you like it more to blend into the crowd and listen to the sounds of the world".

As Amaranta stretched her arms out Tento continued to speak. "But trruth be told. No, I wouldn't know as I never been to Hueco Mundo", Tento said in a soft yet firm tone that was a bit on the sarcastic side showing that he was giving out a light tease. Was he crazy or dumb? Perhaaaaaaps. Was this a way to have her continue talk or just think of him as some dumb man? Also perhaps. As long as he could keep the Leoione talking or non combative; if he was lucky even getting in her head to drop any deadly violance that was tingling in her skin lingering from her last battle, it was good. It was all in the aims of disarming her. All he had to do was keep his external calm compooooooosssssuuuuuurrrrrre!!!!

WHAT THE HECK WAS SHE DOING STRIKING THAT POSE FOR!?

His passive gaze looking at her combat possibility became half focused....well one quarter focused. Even as an, ahem, admire of the feminine form, he was still one that prided himself on his focus and will power. Even if he was chose to check her out a tiny, little, minuscule bit, he was still concentrated on the situation of battle possibly breaking out. Just what the heck was this lady up to? He made a little bit of a half started huh sound when she posed her question to him. Enjoying the view? Well that was ridiculous.

....of course he was.

But how light hearted she said it it was like she was fishing for something that she already knew as true and out there. A quip danging out teasing him to it? And o my lord next she had that pose. Eyes looking like a feline hunting man. Leaned in, wide knowing grin that kissed her lips. Relaxed and playful, yet with her body still strong as well as fierce. "HWAHJHAJHJHSJHAJ". A true combination to what Tento thought was beauty. "A good 'form' is always admirable", he said with a little unintended emphasis on the word form. A fact that he caught after it had slipped out but could not slick back in time to take back. "Either way what is it to ya? What....are you up to", he said in a bit of a softer inquestive tone, really not like the whole, 'find my enemy attractive thing going on today'.

The Unrefined Paragon

Tentō Zefā

Well, so much for recommended the whole, blend in and not cause a sense in the world of the living subtle thing he was hoping to do there. Oh well. Nothing ventured nothing gained. She wanted to be out there, standing out like a blazing fire. 'Hot' was a good word for it. Intense as well if here normal ways of being out would result in fights like that Hollow previously. She wanted excitement, could not have anything boring it seemed. "A wild fire huh? Out to be seen and felt I suppose?". Tento had never personally seen the home of the Hollows to be honest. Hot sand, cold sand, rocks, water, and Hollows all over the place. Just that and Arrancars from what he knew.

Charm or telling a little bit of truth. Perhaps both a little bit. Orrr maybe that was just the nerves causing jumbling words of sincerity out of him in an attempt to be calm and cool.

Nah. Not that.

Expression and flusters comment mixed in with mannerisms showing a contrasting story of his words. Or did they? Words were a part of the person as well. External calm preposition with an internal clicking that was thoughtful and, other things in this situation. Serious yes. Maybe not as serious as he should be after all. She was an Arrancar, beyond a Hollow. He shouuuuld be attacking her and trying to cleanse her or drive her off from this location. Permentalty hopefully but if not at least temporarily. As he let his eyes look at her body to check her physical strength (very tiny amount of some other things as well), if he had to be honest. Yeah she was his type. Muscular and still feminine. Never thought of having a thing for well, a Hollow technicality. And like. Who did? Never such a case has come up in his knowledge and what kind of situation would allow someone to even entertain the thought? How would that even work? Would it work? Well, things would matter in the end to him just like any other female. Was she his type and was she a good person. Those were the big things. But...man did some bad girls still look good.

Well it was not like it would matter though. What Hollow would be trying to flirt with a soul? And even more so, a Shinigami. Yeah know. The group that had the job that was pretty much destroying and cleansing them. Cordial would be cordial though in this instance. But it was odd...he should. Well, be fighting a Hollow. Duty and all. He could sense the difference in energy between them and he had seen a bit of her physical ability. Strangely it did not make him fearful though. Just a bit of caution and honesty a little of his blood pumping with excitement. Beyond duty, he...kinda wanted to see how he would do against her. But, if he tried his luck he would have to deal with having to escape before, probably dying. It wasn't an instance of him not wanting to try, or avoiding duty, or being scared. But instead of just, trying to figure what to do in this situation while things were still calm and in a controlled environment.

Wait a minute, did her tail just swayed? C....cute. NO. Focus. No cute lady. He is going to have to give himself mental reminders here. Well, she looked around, sizing him up just as he did her after he asked his question. "Well, if you are open for recommendations. I could offer the thought of leaving this loud buuussy place to find a spot a bit more relaxing without annoying humans around. Ya know, aaaaaaah Hollow. And all that", Tento said doing a little screaming motion to exaggerate. Comedy was a good tool for dis-arment after all. "You could find a newer spot to explore and get a feeling of the world you are trying to see. Be a fire showing light, I think could be a nice way to put it".

He continued to speak, moving on to answer her question now. "Me? Well, I was out having a regular calm day. Now, I am talking to a bleeding lady who is healing as we speak", he said in a more laid back voice. Showing that although he was talking and not doing anything, he was observant and seeing what was going on. Amaranta was slowly healing while time passed. "So yea know, basically just hanging around".