So! This is the first story I've posted here… yeah…
Um... Bleach isn't mine, all that good stuff… But my custom Hollow IS so NO STEALING!!

Well, this story was up to date as of the "Turn Back the Pendulum" chapters, but in the 350s, Titi Kubo decided to ruin my story... *tear* You'll see later...

Rumors

"What is that fortress being built over there?"

"You mean you haven't heard?!"

"Heard what?"

"That fortress is known as 'Las Noches' – it has been under construction for a few years now, but I hear it's finally finished."

"Las Noches you say? But who would want to erect such a building? This is Hueco Mundo! A barren wasteland filled with us Hollows! Why would anyone waste their time with such a worthless endeavor?"

"You really are clueless, aren't you? Hollows are helping with construction to save their own hides; Gillians and Adjuchas are assisting in the hopes of attaining new power!" another voice piped in, a bluish Hollow sort of resembling a frog.

"New power?"

"Yes! And what's even scarier is that the head of Las Noches is searching out the Vasto Lordes!"

"What?! Who would want to find the Vasto Lordes?!" the ignorant, green gorilla-like Hollow exclaimed. "Let them remain scattered! If they were to gather, it would mean trouble for the rest of us, just like in the old days!"

"I agree. And, I don't know if it's true or not, but they say He is gathering the strongest Menos Grande in order to start a war against the Shinigami!" replied the red, salamander Hollow.

"That's suicide!"

"To us, it looks that way, but the way I hear it, is that the leader was once a Shinigami as well!"

"What?! Why on earth would a Shinigami come to Hueco Mundo and purposefully search out Vasto Lordes?!"

"Ah, but he's an ex-Shinigami. And apparently, he's got some kind of device that transforms Hollows!"

"Transforms them?"

The salamander Hollow glanced around nervously, searching for prying ears, but the closest Hollows were all curled up asleep in the sand. He leaned in closely to his fellows: "He can remove their masks!"

A stunned silence followed before the frog nodded his head:

"Yes, I remember hearing that as well. They say that those whose masks have been removed gain enormous power, and are treated well in Las Noches. The very strongest of them were even given numbers and are now called 'Espada!' And some of them really are Vasto Lordes…!"

"Why would a Vasto Lorde give in to such rubbish?" a fourth voice suddenly inquired, a small Hollow that had appeared to be sleeping nearby, but was apparently awake to hear their talk.

All three flinched as the stranger joined their gossip, hesitating before the salamander spoke up: "P-P-Perhaps they sought a higher power? Even you must be aware that many Menos Grande have an endless thirst for power…"

The fourth Hollow glared back with his one, visible burgundy eye, causing all three to cringe, but the Hollow simply turned to gaze out at the fortress. "I suppose you're right. But I have heard from others that those Menos, those "Espada," do not just take up board in such a massive building, but work under the ex-Shinigami." His eye returned to them eerily: "In a sense, they are his slaves."

"Do you mean to say that even though they removed their masks and gained more power, He is stronger than them? Even the Vasto Lordes?" the gorilla wondered.

"I cannot say for sure, but it certainly seems that way."

There was a short silence amongst them before the fourth Hollow finally stood up from his nest in the sand, stretched similarly to a cat, and began walking off parallel to the massive site.

"W-Where are you going? Do you intend to join their ranks as well?" The frog dared to ask, fearing the answer.

"Of course not," the Hollow replied simply without even turning back to them. "I am merely a wanderer and hope to stay that way. Whatever the ex-Shinigami can do or plans, I want no part of it… I could care less…"

And with that, the three random, weakling Hollows, watched as their superior strode off into the distance, planning on passing right by Las Noches without a second thought…

"There goes one of the last, few good Vasto Lordes in this world… I hope he really can avoid the temptation…" the salamander muttered. Though stronger siblings meant for a stronger chance against their black-clothed enemies, it also meant trouble for the little guys. So many colonies had already been destroyed by the ex-Shinigami's Espada as it was…

The lone Hollow trekked through the sandy dunes easily, long used to the billowing sands that filled Hueco Mundo, his home for many generations now.

The lower class Hollows were correct: this creature was indeed a Vasto Lorde, still in his original guise. He was a pale, burgundy color with tufts of bluish-green fur covering his collar and following along most of his spine, half-way down the tail. He walked on all four, his front legs bearing five claws, one acting similar to a thumb, while his hind legs only had two claws as well as a sharp point at the heel. In the center of his chest, sat a small hole that careened straight through his body; the place where his Chain of Fate had been severed long ago. Strangely, though, bandages covered about a third of his body, wrapped around portions of his legs, abdomen, lizard-like tail, and even over his right eye, concealing it from view.

His pure white mask was shaped similarly to the head of a lizard, or more precisely, like a dragon's skull. There were spikes protruding from the back of the head, as well as behind the jawbone, bearing a few smaller ones under the chin and over the eye. With his long snout protruding from his face came only eight fangs: four on top and bottom, the front four long, the back four simple, though no less dangerous.

He was a very lithe, skinny creature, most closely resembling a small lizard all and all, but bearing a sort of feline grace in his movements.

As he crossed the desert, he ignored the great edifice to his left, staring only ahead with limited thoughts, oblivious to a trio of maskless Hollows that stood not far from Las Noches, placed there specifically to keep a lookout to scout out potentials to add to their lord's army.

There was little hesitation.

"Quick," one of the Arrancar, the leader of the three, ordered another, "go and tell Tousen – we'll go ahead."

The small female nodded before vanishing with Sonido. With her disappearance, the leader and his last companion also shot off at an enormous speed, heading straight for their target…

… It seems hard to imagine that their fortress could be so enormous. I have been walking past it for nearly two days now and it never seems to get any farther away… Hopefully it will begin to shrink within the next 24 hours, or I shall think it is stalking me!

The Hollow nearly grinned to himself, slightly amused by his thoughts, more surprised by the fact that he was still capable of producing a smile after all these years.

He stopped.

Within seconds, two human figures appeared before him, tall and rather intimidating, broken masks covering portions of their faces. Neither moved, both intent on staring at him apparently.

The Hollow shifted his gaze between them curiously; for one, these were the first Arrancar he had ever laid eyes on, and secondly, he wondered what they planned to do and if it were going to occur any time soon.

Finally, one of them – the subordinate – narrowed his gaze: "Oh yeah, you're definitely a Vasto Lorde…" he commented softly, though loud enough for all to hear. Apparently he couldn't tell for sure earlier.

It was the Hollow's turn to narrow his gaze this time. He had a feeling that's what this was all about, but had dared to hope by some circumstance it was not the case. That's what I get for hoping…

The leader took a step forward, attempting to be polite and proper as he spoke: "Please come with us; your presence is requested within the walls of Las Noches."

The Hollow's gaze did not falter, staring darkly back as the tip of his tail twitched back and forth, much like an annoyed cat. "I see. And if I refuse?"

The subordinate steadied himself, his fist clenching subtly at his sides. His partner was no less tense as they stared back intensely.

His single burgundy eye glowed. What idiots…

The blind ex-Shinigami faced the small Arrancar with slight surprise: "So close? Are you sure?"

"Yes! He is still very distant, but there is no doubt in our minds that he is a Vasto Lorde!" she replied firmly.

"I see. Well done – I shall go inform Aizen-sama immediately. Gather some of the others – and at least one Espada; I feel this won't be as easy as it seems."

With a nod, she disappeared yet again, rushing off to round up a small militia while Tousen headed for the great balcony where Aizen liked to preside.

Back outside, the burgundy beast was standing tall and elegantly, his tail waving majestically as he looked down upon the fallen Arrancar at his feet, an almost amused glint to his solitary eye.

Both had been taken down rather easily, neither strong enough to take on a Vasto Lorde or even slow it down. They were face down in the sand, their bodies left without a single scratch but unconscious and unable to fight just the same.

Idiots… he repeated to himself. Slowly, his gaze drifted back down to his front claws, lifting one as he examined the bandaged area of his forearm: there was a faint red glow, just visible beneath the wraps, but it faded shortly after. My usual amount would not have been enough to stop them… I must leave soon lest I should be apprehended by more…

His thoughts came to an abrupt halt as his senses went on high alert.

In an instant, the lizard Hollow was completely surrounded by maskless figures, trapping him in their circle of about 20 or so.

None moved.

The Hollow's reddish eye glanced lightly over his visitors, not at all surprised, scared, or pleased.

They all seemed to vary in shape, size, and power, but all adorned a white and black outfit, just like the other two, their styles also varying from person to person, as well as a small portion of the masks that once covered their whole faces. And at all of their sides was a sword, not unlike those that a Shinigami would use.

From what I can see, they are all a mixture of Gillians and Adjuchas. However, I do sense stronger powers within the ranks… Hmph… it seems so odd to see human-like figures after so long…

Suddenly a figure stepped forward from the ranks, a human figure that did not have a mask, but wore a strange pair of glasses over blank eyes. Was he blind?

Tousen 'stared' at him for several long moments before turning to the female scout at his side, doubt in his voice: "Are you sure about this? He is nothing like the others…"

Distracted from the sight of her two fallen companions, the scout bowed her head obediently, "Positive, sir… Though he looks and feels different than the others, there is no doubt in my mind…" the scout replied. "It is an unmistakable sensation; being this close only confirms it…"

The Hollow would have raised a brow if it had one; what were they talking about? With a bit of a sigh, the Hollow gazed up at those directly in front of him, including the non-Hollow and gave a single command: "Move."

Nothing.

He could sense a small amount of fear and hesitation in those he looked upon (excluding Tousen), perhaps knowing that he could destroy them with little effort if he so desired, but still they did not move nor speak. Defiant punks.

As soon as his mouth opened, ready to order them once more, a pathway began to appear amidst their ranks. However, it was not an exit route, but a path that led straight to another man with no mask whatsoever.

He was not a Hollow – he had the reiatsu of a Shinigami, a power the bandaged Hollow had not felt in many years, but recognized instantly. Adorning a similar white and black outfit with a sword at his belt, the Shinigami approached without hesitation. In fact, the smug bastard was smiling rather confidently as he came to a stop before the Hollow.

There was another Shinigami presence following him, the Hollow could feel it, but could not see them nor the other strong forces that were nearby. He watched as the blind man, obviously a Shinigami as well, appeared to be a little shocked by this one's presence, stepping aside and bowing respectively as he approached. This must be him, the ex-Shinigami that has taken over these parts.

"Aizen-sama, there is no need for you to partake in this," Tousen spoke gently, meaning no offense, merely wondering why he bothered to come out here for this – acquiring the Hollows had always been a part of Tousen's job, never needing his assistance.

"Do not fret, Kaname," he replied smoothly, hardly sparing him a glance before fixing his eyes on the Hollow. "I simply wanted to be here for this one.

"Good evening," he spoke rather calmly, a tone to match that smug grin as he greeted the Hollow kindly. "Allow me to introduce myself: my name is Sosuke Aizen, the owner of Las Noches."

The Hollow stared back just as callously as ever, unfazed by this man's sweet talk; after watching the man speak, he decided a different route: "Fine, now will you please move?"

"How dare you talk to him like that!" one of the Adjuchas at his side exclaimed, moving brashly, but she was stopped both by the Hollow's deadly glare and Aizen's calm hand, which blocked her path.

"Let it be," Aizen asked of the woman, hardly glancing back at her, but she backed away just the same out of respect for Aizen, and out of the inner fear she felt upon meeting the Hollow's infinite gaze.

"I apologize," Aizen said, once again speaking to the Hollow, who was roughly about the height of a zebra, placing him not far from shoulder height compared to the Shinigami. "But I'm afraid I cannot let you pass through so easily without at least hearing me out."

"And I am afraid that I have no interest in what you have to say."

But instead of being even a little disheartened, Aizen's grin seemed to broaden. "Where are my manners? I never caught your name."

The Hollow and Aizen continued to stare eye-for-eye for several more seconds, studying one another… "I am called Triste."

Aizen nodded his head respectfully, "Triste… such a strange name. I don't believe it does you justice,"

"I have come a long way, but my name is no less significant."

"Of course not, I merely find it hard for such a spirited Vasto Lorde as yourself to be deemed 'sad."

Spirited??

"Don't you want to be more?" Aizen continued, "Do you really wish to remain behind that mask, hiding from the world while your brothers and sisters grow stronger? Doesn't your true face deserve to be revealed as well?"

Triste tilted his head slightly, still staring into Aizen's eyes peculiarly, hardly liking them. "What the world sees is not always what the world gets," he replied with a sense of deepness to his words. Before Aizen could fully reflect, Triste's head lowered while his right claw took hold of his bottom jaw.

All watched in slight amazement as a wave of power erupted from Triste's small form as he seemed to break his own jaw, pulling it as far down as possible. When he gazed back up at Aizen, they found that Triste had been able to partially remove his own mask; with his mask's jaw barely hanging on its hinges, there, beneath the rest of the mask, was the tip of a human's nose followed by a pair of lips and a small chin.

His burgundy eye was as calm as ever: "I have never needed the power growth that I obtain through removing my jaw, nor has it ever helped me with my 'sadness.' How would a full mask removal change any of that?"

The shock that many of them now bore was not only from the fact that he had been able to do such a thing on his own, but because of his voice. With that part of the mask gone, Triste revealed a secret that none of the other Hollows had sensed: he was a she.

He… I mean she… How could she hide her gender like that? We Hollows have a sixth sense to it! I have never heard of a Hollow whose voice changes with their mask! The female Adjucha thought nervously near Aizen's side.

But Aizen was not at all concerned with that. In fact, his impression of such a feat was reflected by his only response: he merely smiled.

"You should just let her go, Aizen-sama, she is not worth the trouble."

Nearly all reacted to the new voice that spoke up, hidden amongst the masses. Even Triste was a little unnerved by the voice, wondering which of Aizen's pawns was actually speaking out against her.

"I know of this creature," the voice called again, somehow familiar to Triste's ears. "She has a unique ability that allows her to leech off of other's powers, taking their energy for her own. But she refuses to use it."

Leeches their power? The original female scout wondered, her eyes returning to her fallen comrades. She now understood how they had been weakened so drastically without a single scratch.

That voice…Triste thought, her visible eye following the stares to the crowd behind her, where people were moving out of the way of the speaker.

"She has starved herself for years by refusing to leave Hueco Mundo, taking only what she needs from others in order to survive as she wanders the deserts alone, slowly, but surely, losing her sanity."

It was at that moment when Triste's eye flared, finally realizing who was talking just before they revealed themselves fully.

Triste whipped around in a heartbeat, her body instantly crouching into an attack pose as she glared viciously at the other Vasto Lorde: "ULQUIORRA!!"

The black haired Espada did not flinch, merely meeting her scarlet eye with indifferent emeralds. It was then that he caught a small flash of blue light from beneath the bandages on her face, coming from the place where her other eye would be. No one else seemed to have caught it.

Her back arched to its peak, her Hollow cry bellowing low in her throat like a snarl, even though her mouth was now like a human.

Aizen was hardly fazed by the fact the two knew each other, or the vicious reaction his subordinate got from her, still focused on trying to win over this new Vasto Lorde – especially if Ulquiorra was right, if she had the ability to steal other's energy.

"I suggest you reconsider your position, for if you attack, so will I."

Triste lightened up, but not out of fear. "Don't worry…" With one last glare towards Ulquiorra, her snarls subsided as she straightened up, casting her one eye back in Aizen's direction: "I will not attack him – but neither would you attack me," she pointed out, knowing he valued her strength as a Vasto Lorde too much to put her in any real danger.

And for a second, she was sure she caught a humorous glint in those dark brown eyes of his.

As she slowly turned one paw towards him, an eerie silence befell them, leaving the Hollow and ex-Shinigami exchanging narrowed gazes.

"Perhaps I have a solution to our current predicament?" a voice called from behind Aizen. "Why don't we invite our new friend here to Las Noches and see for herself what is offered before making a final decision?"

Before Aizen could answer his companion, sensing his movements behind him, he watched closely as Triste's gaze shifted to look upon the speaker as he moved into sight – and was very pleased.

As the man came into view, calm as ever, facing Triste with that silly grin of his, her eye widened greatly. It seemed that all of her focus was now completely on this silver headed figure, and her stare lasted many seconds until Aizen's cool voice snapped her back to reality: "I think that's a fine idea, Gin," he spoke, intentionally mentioning his friend's name, reassured by that dumbstruck look that seemed to come over Triste as soon as she laid eyes on him. "Well? How about it, Triste? Come back with us and see for yourself what we are all about. If it displeases you, then you are free to go…"

Triste hesitated, staring long and hard into Aizen's mischievous eyes, sensing a darkness behind his cocky smile, but at the same time, she could not help but glance wearily back at the grinning, maskless fool who had appeared so suddenly.

Her eye darted about, looking at all the maskless Hollows around her, still sensing Ulquiorra behind her, before finally forcing her eye back on Aizen and not Gin…

"… Very well. I accept your offer."

A/N: All right! That was the setup, the introduction... yeah. Feel free to comment, but uh… constructive criticism, if you please. And if there's ever any questions feel free to ask.