Bridge of Curiosity [ Tento | Ajora ]

The sun dipped low on the horizon casting a warm golden hue across the rugged landscape of Africa. Tento wiped the sweat from his brow, his body aching from the day’s exertions. It had taken a while, a bit far more than he thought but it was done. He had just finished delivering the last of the supplies to several refugee camps, ensuring the displaced souls stuck in the world of the living as well as the citizens desiring with a growing diaspora had enough provisions to sustain them for a while. The smiles and gratitude of those he helped were a boon to his weary spirit.

In the back of his mind though he couldn't help but think about what he saw from Ajora. Several killed bodies, Humans, Hollows, Quincy, and Shinigami. the joy now couod not hide the gruesome heartlessness that was present. They liked him because he came in time. Because he had plenty to give. Because they had reserves to pay for them. What would happen if it came to anyone being short? Would they still show him respect and kindness? Could they do? Or would they let that rage be unleashed and try to consume their hand trying to give them aid?

…

His thoughts turned to Ajora, the enigmatic woman he had met. Her words echoed in his mind, a blend of curiosity and confidence that intrigued him. She had raised pointd that made him reflect. The number of vizards who could do what he did was small, maybe not even another currently. He believed that was not the case but that may have only been hope. Ajora's words lingered with him, her acknowledgment of his unique abilities both flattering and daunting. She had an interesting, spirited quality about her, one that pushed the boundaries of exploration and experimentation. Tento knew her understanding went deeper than she let on. Now if that was a concern or not was yet to be seen.

She had some. Interesting thoughts about Arrancar, one subject he was not against talking more about with her among other things. She was good company for those several minutes. With nothing to do now, Tento figured he would follow up on her request. With his task complete, Tento made his way toward the cliff where Ajora's camp was located. The day's work had been exhausting, but the prospect of meeting Ajora again provided a renewed sense of energy to his mental fatigue. He was eager to see what insights and challenges she might present, and how their paths would collide in the new state of their world.

The camps were bustling with activity, filled with people organizing supplies and tending to the wounded. Tents of various sizes dotted the landscape, providing makeshift shelters amidst the turmoil. The air was thick with a mix of hope and despair, a reminder of the fragility of their existence. Tento took a moment to survey the scene, feeling a sense of pride in their resilience.

Standing in front of the camp in view after reaching the rendezvous point, Tento saw Ajora again. Dawned in her relaxed at first expression. She had a set of eyes on her but he wondered how easy it was to see the beauty hidden behind hair and eye patch. He certainly didn't expect such in its full captivating capacity when he first saw her. Although that smirk now did add to her little flair.

“It thankfully wasn't that hard. All I did was follow the area you pointed to and searched for your energy signature”, Tento said calmly as he walked up to her. "You're kinda hard to miss", Tento said in a hint ofna compliment. "Well, besides when you want to sneak up on me".

“Thank you for your kind vouching ”, Tento said in a half joke. “I would rather not start out on a Bad foot with the locals if I can help it”. Kindly enough hm? We'll, can help to have some roughness in isolation guven how everything was. And it may have been so for a long while. He gave A friendly smirk while he tilted his head. She was talking a bit differently. Somewhat like hownshe was before she showed him her face all the way, but somehow different from that too. Very casual and less scholarly.

“My supply run went well. A few places where Shinigami and Quincy are badly needed supplies. I think some may have been close to arguing about reserves. Thankfully they will be fine for a while while I work on organizing people around here who still want to give aid”.

“I hope I haven't kept you waiting long, Ajora”, Tento said with a bit of curiosity in his eyes. “What have you been up to in the meantime? Any more discoveries?”.

After he finished speaking Tento just stood there in a relaxed stance. His hands comfortably laid at the side of his waist. Tento watched as Ajora rummaged through her bag, her movements deliberate and yet calm. Grabbing a few shiny tubes and placing them in her belt. A careful eye watching her as she did so. Her comment about making a pretty penny brought a small smile to his lips. "Well, I wouldn't say I'm rolling in riches, but helping out does have its rewards," he replied, his tone light but sincere despite the heaviness still tinkling the end of his tone.

However Ajora's next words caught him off guard. Was it that obvious when he just got there? And why, less flirty?? Now that felt like it could be an insult to his personality (not). He thought she was smart but she was easy to observe, definitely a science type of gal. Tento hesitated for a moment, then shrugged. "Just a lot on my mind, I guess. The supply run was intense, and seeing so many people in need... it gets to you". It was easy to see hollows. It was easy to see Arrancars being cruel or crating devastation. But humans. It felt...wrong every time.

He glanced at her, a hint of his usual playful spark returning. Attempting to at least, a little playfulness helped him deal with the stress. To move on. "But don't worry, I'm still the same charming guy. Just need a bit of inspiration to recharge".

Following not too far behind the tent, Tento leaned against the tree with his back. “Oh, little old me? And here I was hoping to grab a nice dinner with you. Alas late due to duty”. He then spotted the revolver slipped into a small slit in her belt. Tento raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the weapon. “That's an interesting choice of accessory. You always this prepared, or is it just for me?" he teased, his playful nature resurfacing slightly again.

Tento offered a thoughtful gaze at Ajora. His eyes are a little stern yet not showing hostility at the question, his gaze momentarily distant. "I’ve been to the Rukongai a number of times. Yes it is bad but the desperation here... it feels different somehow. Maybe it's because these people aren't stuck in it like they are. This is fresh. Neither should be but these people in Africa aren't used to it”, Tento turned his finding himself making himself want to put a foot in his mouth. What did it matter if one group already existed in hell for years and another just got through months? Hell is hell in the end.

“It bothered me when I saw it in Rukongai too. But..it just hits harder when I see that loss of hope in their eyes here". He sighed. “It's whatever. Both matter. And I have to do what I can here as much as there too". It was such a dumb comment finding a difference. Both struggled. Both were in pain. In destitute and needed help beyond measure.

“Yes, I'm sure. I'm not the first nor the last to be sad about the conditions of people due to war or destruction”. He watched her as she inspected the revolver before turning to ask him as she looked over her shoulder. Hmmm, he supposed it wasn't super interesting. “A little I suppose. A Shinigami doesn't use a gun normally, even in shikai or bankai. It does have its uses and merits in contrast to the limited range of a sword though”. It was true, simplicity could have its charm and betterment. Pulling a trigger was faster than an incantation after all.

At her joke Tento let out a smirk. Letting it flash in a response to her comment. “No, I didn't plan of eating that today”, Tento said while giving her a look. “I prefer something good. Either for my body or for the soul”, he said while moving to follow Ajora outside of the tent and further out of the range of the campsite. Along their way she stopped though. She asked him quite a question out of left field.

Straight to the point he supposed. Tento couldn’t help but chuckle. The playful glint in his eye went away, a far more serious glow to his gaze as he looked at her. "Well, apart from finding you intriguing and impressive. I just find you attractive, and if given the opportunity I'd be happy to see more of your captivating personality”, Tento began. “I will not lie and say i'm not seeking something physical since I've started flirting with you today, if you'd like”.

There was no smile on his face, given her directness she deserved to get a straight answer. Honesty was the best policy, despite the likelihood of getting a punch to the gut. It was far better than misleading someone and making them feel used and manipulated. "If you are not interested or feel uncomfortable with that, I will stop”. With that, he waited for her response, ready to see where this newfound connection might lead.

Tento observed Ajora as her calm demeanor remained yet seemed to twist at his remark. It was a straight honest answer to what gave a slight draw to him, but she seemed to twist. For a few seconds it seemed she was somewhere else. Her focus shifted. And it was a different sort from before, before she was brought back by his voice. Really looking up at the sky from that?? As she asked to go forward he couldn't help but think he caught the sound of a pleased calmness and the sight of a slight smirk as she turned. He had a feeling it wasn't a bad reception on her end but the silence did leave it a big open ended. Not an answer she could give or perhaps a little game she was playing.

When they reached the outskirts of the camp further out, the sensation of energy going through an uptick was felt as Ajora gently flicked her wrist to the side. Tento have a shift of his eyes as he looked to the side, feeling the reiryoku stretch and dance around them like a veil. His eyes going back to her calmly as she took out her zanpakuto from her waist and the dark mist along with it after its release. So this was how she wanted to take notes. He had to admit the sight around him was quite beautiful. He felt no issue breathing or some sort of spiritual energy concern. Just how did this zanpakuto work?

Tenti nodded his head while shifting his eyes again. Gazing down at the line drawn in the earth's dirt. Bright little lights shining like stars in the darkness, before a slim line swept across the ground, marking a line. "Understood," he replied, nodding at her instructions about the smoke. "Alright then, let's get started”.

Tento took a deep breath, focusing his mind and energy. He knew this demonstration would require precise control, especially when it came to suppressing his spiritual pressure so as not to affect Ajora too much. With a calm determination, he reached up and summoned his Hollow mask. As the mask formed over his face, it was a striking sight, white with dark markings, a center head piece at the forehead in the form of a yin yang symbol. The mask had a fierce, skeletal design, its edges sharp and imposing. Tento's eyes glowed with an eerie intensity behind the mask, though he carefully kept his spiritual energy in check.

With the mask in place, Tento concentrated on opening a Garganta. He raised his hand, fingers splayed, and a dark, swirling vortex began to materialize in the air at the line edged into the ground. The edges of the portal were jagged and black, like the maw of a beast. Inside, the Garganta was a void of swirling darkness, punctuated by brief flashes of light that resembled distant stars. The process of creating the Garganta was swift yet deliberate. The portal seemed to tear through the fabric of reality itself. Once the Garganta was fully open, Tento lowered his hand and gesture of Ajora to observe the swirling darkness within. The portal was both mesmerizing and intimidating, a visual representation of the vast, unknown expanse that connected different worlds.

Tento's voice, slightly distorted by the mask, broke the silence. "This is the Garganta. It allows me to travel between realms. You can see the void within, a pathway through the fabric of reality. It's not something to be taken lightly, but it serves its purpose well. I have to be careful going in or sending others through because I don't know if there's always a chance a hollow could try and use it aa well possibly".

With that, Tento maintained the portal for a few moments longer, giving Ajora ample time to study and understand it before he began the process of closing it. The jagged edges of the Garganta slowly fused back together, the darkness dissipating until there was no trace left of the portal. Tento removed his Hollow mask, his features returning to normal as he carefully reined in the last of his spiritual pressure.