My pain is real!

Casually making her way over to one of the tables scattered about the rooftop, Ryder set down her coffee and proceeded to remove her uniform jacket and drape it over a chair, clasping the top button to ensure it would not fall. Clothed in a far more comfortable blue-grey tanktop that hugged her curves, though her weapon was still hidden by the ample bust and what fabric was there, the woman turned to face her companion and flashed him a small, personable smile. "I've spent months searching for Quincy here, hoping to learn more of our Origins and purpose, why the hell would I want to fight now that I've finally found one? We're a fading breed are we not? Shouldn't we work together?"

Black coffee…how classy, though she did take several pieces of sugar, if I am not mistaken…Does a certain someone have a sweet tooth? Weylin smiled slightly and took another sip of cold tea, the sun warming his back. The roof itself was quite large and nothing obstructed the place, in fact it was frequently used by clubs as a meeting place or the astronomy class when some “life-changing constellation of stars” was about to happen. Regardless of all of that the young Quincy liked this place particularly well for the solitude it offered amidst the busy people. His eyes glanced towards the roof on top of the stairs, for it was there where he would usually be found, napping or thinking…Slightly tired the young man began to move his right shoulder – indeed a nap now would be very much appreciated. I highly doubt though that little Miss Soldier over there would like to cuddle up and take it easy though.

After his introduction von Wolfenstein had actually expected his companion to return the favor, but all she did was to look puzzled and undress slightly, which in return startled Weylin. Had she misunderstood him? Perhaps it had not been such a great idea to continue to use the German language, would English have been more appropriate? Judging by her name and appearance that was a semantic she was far more comfortable with. The soldier undid the buttons of her jacket and draped it over a chair; dressed in a blue-grey tank-top that caressed her curves she turned towards him. The student was flabbergasted, not matter where he had looked at this university he had never found a mature beauty like this, ripe but fresh, simply ready. Now he understood why so many of the male students had tried to get close to her, and while a part of his self felt rather lucky to have scored some time with a woman of this caliber, the “warrior” side was put at unease, as the mannerism of the female changed. Entangled in a battle to not eye her figure but also search for hidden weapons the Quincy focused on his eyes and tried through his periphery vision to make out some curves – and curves he found! Since she’s military it is probably safe to assume that she’s armed, judging from her “I ain’t taking no crap” policy most likely a firearm. Well, she would not be able to fire this without causing a ruckus, but the good old “He tried to rape me!” would definitely suffice to get a crowd on her side, or wouldn’t it? Maybe I am over-thinking things again… Weylin sighed – this was in the verge of becoming a hassle. He ignored the small smile she gave him, for it was most certainly just an act, and listened closely. She had spent month searching for Quincy and to learn more about their history? Clearly that woman had no clue about her history whatsoever, for it was not Japan but Europe where the Quincy had originated. The German was bewildered and raised an eyebrow; switching into English, with a thick British accent, he issued a reply: ”Milady, it seems you have misunderstood me,” having spent five years of his life in an English speaking country the young student was as close to a native speaker as one could get:”I am available, if there is need to do battle against a fiendish creature; I will not raise hand against one of my kin without severe reasoning.” There was still a little more than an arms-length of distance between the two and Weylin was keen on upholding that distance for now, since it gave him ample time to react if the soldier would change her mind regarding the whole “work together” part.

”So what you desire are information regarding the Quincy?” After revealing that he was heir of a long line of Hollow-Hunters, the German was sure that there would be questions going to be asked. With a sigh the young man reached into his pocket and pulled out the zippo, which had his family crest and a Quincy cross engraved. Absentmindedly he started to have the lighter run through his fingers; meeting one of his kin who knew nothing about herself in the middle of nowhere? Just my luck…

Now it was Ryder's turn to arch an eyebrow, as the young man fluidly shifted from German to English, complete with Brittish accent. Folding her arms casually beneath her breasts, the woman listened as Weylin covered his tracks, claiming his earlier statement had been directed towards any potential Hollows, and she had misunderstood him entirely. The possibility was there, though Ryder severely doubted she had made such a mistake, but for the time being it was best to simply let it pass and focus on the continued conversation. The boy was close, almost close enough to reach out and touch each-other, and that suited Ryder just fine.

"Perhaps Weylin, perhaps I did misunderstand you," she replied in kind, starting with acknowledging her potential mistake before launching forwards once more. "Information concerning our heritage and origins is indeed a comodity I am lacking. A few years ago my Japanese Quincy Grandfather told me to come here for further training with the Japanese Quincy Council. I show up? I can find neither hide nor hair of them. It's as though they just up and vanished." Granted, it had been over sixty years since her grandfather had been here and served the council, but the way he spoke it was as though they had been there forever, and would never end.

Unfolding her arms, Ryder gently pulled out the seat on which she had draped her jacket, and slide casually into the seat, nodding to the one opposite her. "I suspect we may be here a while, so I'm going to go ahead, relax, and get comfortable. You're welcome to do the same if it suits you." Even seated, the woman had a presence about her, as though she were the one in charge, and Weylin was reporting to a superior officer. After making herself comfortable, Ryder proceeded to pop open her coffee, adding a lot of sugar while she finished speaking. "I was lucky to find you, Mr Von Wolfenstein. By all means, please, start wherever you feel best. I have all day, and there is a great deal I have yet to learn."

The German watched every movement the woman made, for up until now he had felt like the hare before the snake. There were two chains around her neck which bore pendants, which were conveniently swallowed up by her majestic cleavage. How am I supposed to make sure this is indeed an artifact without being labeled a pervert? Sei es drum…lieber ein Perverser, als ein Toter. One was a christian cross, the other one took the shape of an arrow and had Shinto-blessing engraved into it. Keeping in mind that her grandfather was Japanese it could very well be any two. Haven’t you had enough superstition for one day? his inner self asked the Quincy. Let’s think positive, shall we? This is an opportunity to get to know another one of our kind! – Our kin usually spell trouble… Weylin raised his gaze: ”Fair enough, Miss Hughes, I shall give you a lecture.

Most likely the Quincy originated in middle-Europe, today’s Germany. They were either descendants or relatives of magic hunters and specialized in the war against the Hollow. There is a variety of lore about them, concerning legends, weaponry and structure aka hierarchy, but I am guessing you are more interested in the later…Two hundred years ago most of the Quincy were destroyed by the Shinigami in what came to be known as “The Great Purge” or “Die grosse Reinigung” as historians call it. It is due to this unfortunate happening that a lot of lore is lost, but I digress, let’s focus on the elementary stuff for now. Nowadays the Quincy are organized in either clans or councils, depending on their size. Since Europe still houses the greater amount of us the clans are big enough to be mighty enough to lead. They are usually primed by a certain family, which takes the leading function. Within said family there is one person as chosen as “Grandmaster” – he or she is responsible for everything- and one and usually supported by the elders. Pretty old fashioned, eh? The system hasn’t changed in over nine hundred years…Now as far as I am informed in Asia they do things differently. Indeed over here Quincy are a rare breed, so even the three mightiest clans have to bond together, and although they are all individually headed by a council, it is safe to assume that they are one big entity – in my opinion at least. Now I gotta admit that I never cared enough to actually get into touch with them, for meeting in other people’s clan affairs only spells trouble, but generally I am convinced that it should not be too hard to find a Quincy, if one knows how and where to look. Soo…let’s round things up: If you want to know some fairy tales and all, I’ll be happy to entertain you, but if it is first-hand information you seek, you should pay my family in Germany a visit. As I have mentioned before: when it comes to Hollow-Hunters, we are one, if not the, oldest in the business.”

Weylin ended his speech for the moment – his throat was dry and he was sure that the woman would need a second to stomach what he had told her. With the flick of the wrist he trashed the can: Now that I think about it…there wasn’t much structure in my lecture, was there? Oh well, she can ask if she needs some more. Still the young German was leaning against the guard railing when he pulled out a pocket watch and flipped it open. Still over an hour left before Kanoe goes evil on me for being late. Slowly he rewinded the gears to keep the clock running, then he tilted his head and focused his attention on the lush woman in front of him.

~The Quincy originated in Germany did they? Now that's a fascinating piece of information... and unfortunate...~ during her highschool days in JROTC, and College until the declaration of the War on Terror, Ryder had been preparing to be stationed in Germany. With her father's pull, it would have been a sure thing. Nothing is ever as it seems, however, and when the Twin Towers were taken out, things would spiral apart, and land Ryder in active duty in Afghanistan instead, fighting for her life day in and day out and forced to learn pieces of yet ANOTHER language.

There was one thing that intrigued her more than anything though. From what Weylin was telling her, Quincy had evolved from 'monster hunters' of some sort, like you might read about in various mythology. ~So Quincy evolved from other sorts of empowered humans like Arazia and Nirios' and their ilk.~ It made sense, from a logical standpoint. Quincy wouldn't have simply appeared out of thin air, but it certainly contradicted the elitist attitude the Masaru clan had displayed during her time studying with them.

With confirmation of the 'Great Purge' from a foreign source, Ryder could finally be sure that it had indeed happened, and wasn't just some Japanese misconception. "Fairy tales huh? No, I think I'm quite content with sticking to cold hard facts and legitimate knowledge." Setting her now empty coffee cup down, the woman leaned backwards, stretching her arms out to the sides and upwards, arching her back as her cleavage and necklaces grew more promint. "What I am interested in, however..." she continued, returning to a casual seated position with her hands in her lap, "Is that council and Grandmaster you mention back in Germany? If I'm really going to grow into my heritage and purpose, that's the place to go, is it not?"

Was that woman in front of him dangerously stupid, stupidly dangerous? That was the question Weylin was trying to figure out whilst not staring at her curves like a teenager who was with his first girlfriend. Never before had he met human, Hollow or Shinigami that clueless about their heritage; despite the fact that the woman in front of him could easily be ten years older than him it felt as if he was the one to teach her. The Quincy scratched the back of his head before stretching himself and debating his next steps. There was an obvious need for teaching here, but with his limited resources and artifacts it was very likely that the soldier would grow tired of his stories. Moreover, he was not even sure, whether he was allowed to reveal that much information to another being, be she Quincy herself or not…then again, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a rather potent ally and friend. “Well, yes. If you truly wish to learn then Germany is the way you’re ought to go. As you know though, we are a rather elusive rather, so even if I gave you, well, an address or the equivalent, it would not do much for you I am afraid.” The student tilted his head slightly to read and had a rather apologetic look on his face: ”Nothing personal, but there is a reason my family survived to this day.”

Something in the back of his mind kept urging von Wolfenstein to keep thinking about a way to enable to woman before him to unravel her past. Well…I suppose I could tag along and pay home a visit. Weylin continued to debate the pros and cons until he made and imaginary list, which the pro side won. Reaching into his bag the Quincy pulled out a scrap of paper onto which he noted down his cell number and an email address. While folding the paper his childish side voted for trying to throw it into her cleavage, valuing his life though the student resisted quite easily. “My semester ends in about six weeks,“ he said and tossed the note. “If by then you still wish to learn about the Quincy, I shall take you to my home. I should warn you though; it might not be as pleasant as you make it out to be.” With that said Weylin von Wolfenstein turned away from the woman and took the stairs down, where a pretty annoyed Kanoe would await him; only time could tell what path the soldier would chose and whether this had been their first or last meeting. In any case, getting out of bed today had been worthwhile.

Something in the back of his mind kept urging von Wolfenstein to keep thinking about a way to enable to woman before him to unravel her past. Well…I suppose I could tag along and pay home a visit. Weylin continued to debate the pros and cons until he made and imaginary list, which the pro side won. Reaching into his bag the Quincy pulled out a scrap of paper onto which he noted down his cell number and an email address. While folding the paper his childish side voted for trying to throw it into her cleavage, valuing his life though the student resisted quite easily. “My semester ends in about six weeks,“ he said and tossed the note. “If by then you still wish to learn about the Quincy, I shall take you to my home. I should warn you though; it might not be as pleasant as you make it out to be.” With that said Weylin von Wolfenstein turned away from the woman and took the stairs down, where a pretty annoyed Kanoe would await him; only time could tell what path the soldier would chose and whether this had been their first or last meeting. In any case, getting out of bed today had been worthwhile.

"Thank you Weylin. I understand this must be difficult for you" she began, taking the folded piece of paper and slowly tucking it into her left bra cup. "But please trust that I will do everything in my power to prove myself to you in the time that follows. Should the time arive and you still don't feel that I am who I say, I suppose we will have to work something out." Reaching out to offer her hand in friendship, the Marine found only Weylin's back, as he'd already risen and turned to head back to his classes.

"And Weylin!" she called to him a little louder. "I've been through hell and back kid. Trust me, no matter how unpleasant it might be, it's nothing I can't handle. You just watch, Herr Von Wolfenstein, and you will see." With her young companion gone and headed down the stairs, it was time for Ryder to make her own preparations to leave. Rising from her seat, the woman retrieved her jacket and restored herself to parade standard before heading down the steps, contemplating the days events and those which lay ahead.

For so long she had searched for the Quincy council. Months had gone by with barely any contact among the remnant Quincy clans at all, and now, at least, she finally had a lead. It may not be the Japanese Quincy Council of which her Grandfather spoke, but it was indeed a Quincy council, if Weylin could be trusted, and at long last her search was finally drawing to a close.

Feet shuffle first along wooden floor-boards which are stained green and lined with decomposing corpses. The surroundings shift and list; a boat. Sounds of moaning fuse with the crackling creak of an old vessel on the high seas. "My head..." A familiar masculine voice whispered in the dark while his red sneakers poked at the body before him. Shackles ring out which scrapes against everything. Varying holes in wooden panels above allow dim light to shine down; Roash Ikagi, Emiko's Contact, is revealed in a somewhat fatigued form. He was slumped back with both arms shackled to thick metal cuffs, cuffs strong enough to keep Roshi the Killer strapped up properly.

He pulled at it, making the hull moan in agony as he gave several attempts at ripping the plates of the shackles down with brute strength. He had no luck."Es hat keinen Sinn zu versuchen, Freund zu entkommen ... Wir sind alle in den Bauch der schwarzen Bärten Schiff gemacht." The voice of a soft-spoken German man could be heard as he warned Roash of the futility in his efforts. He didn't understand the German, but the voice caused Roash to take in his surroundings most-effectively. Alas, there were a dozen or so people stowed around the hull; they were all shackled up prisoners like him. Naturally a slide down against the jagged wood yielded a frown from one upset Ikagi.

It was then that the first crew member began to descend a set of creaking steps which allowed light from the sun to flash into the dungeon. A hollow that shared the shape of an emaciated gorilla but wore the garments of a Victorian era pirate... Just what was going on? Many of the other prisoners didn't bother to budge as this massive hollow began to creep down rows which were filled with dead prisoners. It was a sight to see as that hollow committed to inspecting each captive without attacking or feeding upon them. With his incessant struggling, this shipmate hollow crept up to Roash as red pools hidden below a white masked glowed brightly. The red eyes gave Roash a dim illumination, uncovering him to be dressed in similar Victorian era apparel. Loose fitting crackerjacks, like the ones worn by the American 'toon Popeye.
"Da fuck?" Another curse and Roash noticed his new apparel. With his eyes locking into the hollow's abysmal pools, a conversation was structured. "Aye, you belong t' our captain Black Beard now... You will be crew, or be a prisoner. A pence for an old man o'de sea." Of course a Pirate-hollow, and a... Captain Black Beard?

After grabbing a good sized meal for two from a Curry House CoCo Ichibanya, Ryder had led her Arreancar great grandfather Yuu... an odd thing to be sure, that she was still trying to get accustomed to herself, on a Hirenkyaku/Sonido powered rush through the park to the opposite side of Karakura Circle and to the Dosojin Junctions beyond. When she'd reached them, bagged food held securely in both hands, she began to slowly walk into the dimly lit tunnels, leading Yuu in her wake.

"I could have brought you to my own apartment, but I figure this is better. For one, I won'lt have neighbors thinking I have someone in my room I'm talking to, and for another the thick stone around us should keep any pesky spiritually aware people from picking up on our presence and trying to start shit." Of course, there WAS a third reason for Emi's choice. She hadn't survived this long by blindly trusting her feelings when she had the time to take extra precautions. By taking this Arrancar here, she would not be revealing her home to him, and could further question him and his nature, and ensure he was as kind and peaceful as he appeared to be.

Yuu nodded as he followed, taking a look at the stonework “the food you bought is fairly modern isn’t it?” he asked offhandedly while he leaned against the tunnel wall “I’m sure you aren’t completely willing to accept these circumstances, so if there’s anything to help ease you into this, I will. How could I protect one who does not wish to be in my presence?”

With that, the aarancar drew a hand across his goatee slowly, off arm tucked under his elbow and awaiting any question she had for him. There was no immediate threat, and while the thick walls would help keep trespassers at bay, he still kept his presence as calm and neutral as he could.