Chapter Fifty One:

With a scream of exuberant energy, Shiro rushed towards Nnoitra and Grimmjow with a frenzy he would normally have held back. Sparks flew as the body sized blade of Zangetsu smacked against Grimmjow's sword first and then Nnoitra's as he was forced to dive out of the way of the large scythe like Zanpakutō.

The training area was too cramped for his liking, but he was fighting two of the most destructive creatures Las Noches had to offer. He couldn't complain. Cackling as he was forced to retreat towards one of the corners as each swing and stroke of the Sexta's sword became more precise and delivered with greater speed. Eyes darting left and right as he sensed the Quinto move behind him in a pincer manoeuvrer, the albino made sure to try and keep both men in his sights at all times. He didn't dare stop paying attention for even a second.

Ducking and sliding as he watched both swords come towards him at the same time, he grinned mischievously as his slickly timed dodge earned him the sound of swearing, as the two Espada ended up hitting each other instead of him. Skidding and turning on his knees to look at them, he laughed loudly at the sight of the slice Grimmjow had on his biceps and the nice gouge Nnoitra had across his chest.

"Sloppy." He got to his feet and put his hands on his hips, "If this is the best Las Noches has to offer then we're in big trouble."

"Tch, yer an arrogant little shit." Nnoitra spat, glowering with one grey eye.

"Careful, Quinto." Grimmjow muttered, shooting a look at the taller Espada.

"Well it's true!" Scythe reverting to sword and being sheathed, Nnoitra's long arms folded moodily, "It's not our fault you were taught how to fight by Aizen himself."

Gold eyes rolled dramatically as he sheathed Zangetsu across his back, feeling the bandages tighten obediently, "Don't sulk. Ya know, I actually kinda like sparrin' with ya both."

Both Nnoitra and Grimmjow seemed surprised by his honesty, the albino simply shrugged and turned away, wiping some dust off his shihakusho. It was true. He'd woken from the best sleep he'd ever had to find himself brimming with energy and excitement. The idea of starting his new life as the one in charge. His first instinct had been battle, the urge to make sure his reflexes hadn't dulled over night. Who better to quell those urges than the Quinto and Sexta Espada, the two most battle hungry and bloodthirsty Arrancar around?

While he was certain Aizen wouldn't refuse him if he asked to train with him, he didn't want to pull him away from his work. He was determined to show that he could integrate into Las Noches life, he could mingle with the Espada, he could be the Cero without any issues. He wanted to prove himself.

With that thought in mind, he turned back to the pair and grinned toothily, " Maybe we can do this again sometime."

After a moment of silence Nnoitra let out a hefty sigh and let his arms fall to his sides, "I guess it's good to have someone around who's gonna keep me on my toes. Alright, I'll spar with you again."

"Me too." Grimmjow nodded once, "Maybe sometime we can see how well you fair against both our Resurrecciōn forms at the same time?"

"Bring it on!" He crowed eagerly.

Shiro left the training room only a short while later, striding down the hallways with his head held high. He'd made it his mission that he would introduce himself to the Espada today. While they'd seen him fight and seen his strength that didn't mean they knew him. If he was going to lead them... As strange as that thought was, it would be a good idea to build some kind of relationship with them all.

Considering his current location within the palace, it was an easy judgement to make his way to Szayelapporo Granz's private palace next, the laboratory work space. He remembered how hard the Octavo Espada had struggled beneath the full flow of his reiatsu the day before, the way he had almost collapsed under its weight. He couldn't help but think it would be fun to torment him at least a little bit, after all, according to Aizen the scientist's lack of care for his own experimental supplies was part of the reason Ulquiorra had been able to hide his loathing for the King.

"Horse." He said out loud, almost sounding annoyed at himself, "He's the Horse. I'm the King. Gotta work on rememberin' that."

When he pushed the laboratory door open, he was overwhelmed by the smell of chemicals. Bleach and disinfectant and noxious gas. It made him wrinkle his nose in disliking as he forced himself to go further into the clinical space. He could see a row of beds pushed up against the far wall, apparently Szayel was also a half decent healer when the need was great and the medical staff weren't prepared enough.

Eyes scanning the area, he also saw several benches and work stations brimming with paperwork, test tubes, various brightly coloured liquids in phials and bottles. He saw a few consoles, most likely for monitoring the surrounding area and maintaining data.

"How am I expected to get any work done when people keep swanning in and out of my fucking laboratory?!" Szayel's snarl reached his ears before he saw the man, but as he turned and saw the pink haired Espada storm out of his side office their eyes met and the man dropped the notepad he was holding and released the strangest sound in the back of his throat.

"Ya chokin' or somethin'?" He asked nonchalantly.

"I... What... No!" The Octavo brushed his fingers through his hair and quickly retrieved his notes, spluttering softly for a moment, "You have my apologies for my rudeness... I didn't realise it was you who had come to pay me a visit."

Taking measured steps around the benches as he cast his eyes over Szayel's various experiments, the albino chuckled, "It's fine. I should have announced myself."

"Yes, well... With that out of the way, I must ask... Is there a reason for your visit?"

"Nothin' in particular." He shrugged, picking up a phial of bright orange liquid, he found himself annoyed by the sight of it, "I wanted to come and introduce myself properly. Yesterday was... A mess."

"I see..." Szayel trailed off, eyes on the phial of liquid, "I hope I don't seem rude but... Could you put that down? It's rather volatile."

"Huh? Oh, sure." Carefully putting the glass tube back where he'd found it, he folded his arms and flashed a manic grin at the man, "So, you're Szayelapporo Granz. Octavo Espada. Head Scientist, part time medic."

"That is correct." His glasses were nudged up his nose, a habitual action, "And, may I inquire as to your own name?"

"Ah, ya have good manners. But ya already know my name, Kuchiki told ya right?"

"That is true, however I thought it polite to ask." Szayel chuckled, "Shiro, Cero Espada. It's a very... Glamorous title."

Giving a playful bow, Shiro strolled across the floor towards the man, "Indeed it is. Bet everyone was pretty shocked yesterday, huh?"

"I must confess, half of us where completely unaware that there was a Cero Espada." Whiskey coloured eyes followed his movements carefully, "I'm curious, did you always know?"

"Nah." He shook his head, "Always knew I was strong, but I only realised what I was yesterday when I took over completely."

"And yet you've had no adjustment period to come to terms with it, just... Ploughing on with your day to day life. It's very impressive." Szayel fixed him with a wide smile, it was a little unsettling, "I'm sure someone such as yourself would find it a compliment for me to confess... Your battle yesterday was terrifying."

Shiro trailed his fingers along the edge of the scientist's notebook, giggling softly at his comment, "Terrifying? I thought it was fun."

"Yes, but your injuries were... Severe. Your high speed regeneration is enviable." Eyes followed the movement of his fingers, "You are clearly very gifted. It's no wonder you are the Cero."

Raising an eyebrow as he looked at the Octavo, scanning his face as he considered his words, the albino dropped his hand to his side, "And yer clearly gifted as well Szayel, yer experiments are fascinatin'. I was wonderin' if I'd be welcome to come back some time and watch ya work, not in a creepy way but... I'm interested to see more of what ya do."

Szayel seemed surprised by his interest, "I had no idea you were a keen scientist yourself, I wish you had said so earlier! By all means you may return whenever you wish, I shall try and rustle up something exciting for your return."

Shiro was content with the idea of that, "Sounds good. In which case... I should let you get back to work. It was good to meet ya properly, Octavo."

"It was... Surprisingly pleasant to meet you too, Shiro." There was a curt bow of the head before Szayel cautiously backed away to a safe distance and disappeared back inside his office.

The albino watched the door shut and bit his bottom lip to stop himself laughing. Through their entire conversation the Octavo's reiatsu had been quivering and recoiling. Fear. He could almost taste it on his tongue as he sucked in a breath. Szayel was smart, probably one of the smartest Espada and that was made all the more tangible by his well placed caution around someone so much stronger than he was.

With that thought in mind, and a lingering glance at the 'volatile' orange phial, Shiro left the laboratory in search of his next target. As he walked, he considered who he should introduce himself to next. He had dealt with the Octavo, the Sexta and the Quinto. That left Zommari the Séptima, Harribel the Tres, Barragan the Segunda and Starrk the Primera.

He found himself briefly thinking back to the moment the Espada had arrived to witness his battle with Ulquiorra, Starrk's appearance had interested him the most. He could feel the man's power and strength, he could feel the depths of his Soul and upon seeing his green haired partner he had known they were two sides of the same Soul just like him and...

Stopping in the middle of the corridor, Shiro felt his smile slide off his face as his eyebrows furrowed. There was a strange uncomfortable churning in his belly. Once again he found himself wondering if it would ever be possible for them to coexist. To live separately as well as together. Could they be free to live their own lives? Two different bodies? Two different minds? Could he pursue what he wanted while Ichigo did the same?

Ichigo loved Byakuya... More than anything in the world. But he loved Aizen. He wanted to stay by his side, loyal, helpful, appreciated. Was there any way... No matter how small... That they could...

"Stop it!" He grabbed his head suddenly, eyes wide as he let out a choked gargle from the back of his throat, hands quaking as for the most fleeting second the blackness in his eyes began to recoil to reveal white, "Stop it."

He didn't need Ichigo. He didn't need anyone.

Blackness overtook white again and he felt his breathing even out, lowering his hands from his head, "Adjustment period... That's what I need... Szayel was right, I-I had a big day yesterday... And launched straight into things today. I need to pace myself. Gotta go steady. Don't wanna burn out..."

The Cero Espada decided with a nod to himself, that Starrk would be his last visit for the day. There was no use pushing himself too far too fast, he had to play the long game. Had to show he was up to it. Had to show Aizen that he was capable. Tiredness would make it harder for him to reign in the madness and mania that brewed beneath the surface of his skin. It was fine if it slipped out in battle, it was fine if it slipped out in bed, but while he was trying to make a good impression upon the other Espada... He couldn't afford to lose it.

With renewed determination in his step, the albino headed to the higher floors of the palace where he could sense Starrk's reiatsu lingering. He had already learned that each Espada had their own miniature palace, such as Szayel's laboratory and Aaroniero's dark tower, but they also had private rooms on the same floor as the King's Suite. It appeared that Starrk rarely left his own private room.

As he prowled towards the Primera's room, his gaze briefly turned towards the door into Grimmjow's quarters. While he could sense that the Sexta was absent, he knew Byakuya Kuchiki was behind that door. He knew the Sexta was the Shinigami's current guardian. It would be so easy to reach out, open the door and come face to face with steel grey eyes and sleek raven locks of hair.

It was too soon. Shiro's gold eyes turned forwards again as he continued towards Starrk's reiatsu. It was too soon to risk coming face to face with Byakuya, too soon to risk Ichigo surfacing because of his presence, too soon... He wouldn't risk his control slipping for even a moment.

As ridiculous as it felt, he was relieved when he reached the Primera's room. Squinting, he was sure he heard snoring coming from inside and stifled a chuckle as he knocked hard on the door. Shiro heard the telltale snort of someone who'd been woken up with a start and held a hand to his mouth to hide the amused grin that was spreading without permission.

The door opened abruptly and gold met cool blue-grey. Starrk looked surprised to see him and blinked a few times, apparently trying to clear the tiredness from his eyes. A gloved hand rose and fingers dived through dishevelled brown hair. Shiro was struck by the Primera's good looks, recalling how the day before Ichigo had scolded him for staring for too long.

Clearing his throat at the thought, Shiro dropped his hands to his sides, "Sorry for intrudin' and wakin' ya up." He could have slapped himself for that being the first thing he said.

"It's no trouble, my friend. Do you need help?" The Primera's deep baritone was oddly comforting as it rumbled between them.

"No... Not really... I mean..." He snapped his mouth shut as his words jumbled and spewed out without coordination, he ground his teeth in annoyance and tried again, "I've been tryin' to meet all the Espada today. I wondered if ya would mind chattin' for a while. Ya all have the advantage of havin' been together for a while. I wanna get to know ya all so we can work together."

Starrk's eyes seemed to trace his expression curiously, one eyebrow slightly raised before he released a loud yawn and stepped away from the door, gesturing for him to come in, "I've got some time."

Shiro stepped past him, glancing around curiously. It was a big room, spacious but simple. There was a bare minimum of furniture, next to no decorations. A round dining table sat in the corner of the living room, a plain green couch and a small coffee table. He saw the open door that lead into the kitchen, the closed door to the bathroom. Blinking as Starrk seemingly ignored all the options presented to them and instead went through a third door, Shiro followed with interest, staring as they appeared to enter the Primera's bedroom.

Except... There was no bed. Instead, an insane and tatty pile of green cushions spread across the wooden floor in no recognisable pattern. The albino immediately noticed the green haired girl curled up towards the back of the pile, fast asleep and drooling. She didn't even stir when Starrk flopped down near her and stretched out with another large yawn.

"This is Lilynette." The Primera waved a lazy hand towards the girl, "She's my Fracción."

Shiro fixed his eyes on the girl again, she felt fragile and weak compared to him but there was still no mistaking their connection, "More than that, though, ain't she?" He sat down on the other side of the pile, leaning back as he sank into the soft cushions.

"Ah you have keen senses, my friend." A small smile was offered, "Perhaps because you too have similar experience with our... State."

"So I was right, ya used to be the same person? Like me and..." His eyes narrowed a little, "What happened to ya?"

Starrk shrugged, "You know the burden of living with great power, we were unable to contain it and used to kill Hollows we encountered with our presence alone. We were lonely, and wished to be weaker so we could at least travel in a group. Eventually, we split our Soul into two so that we would never be alone again."

The albino's mouth fell open at his story, sitting forwards so he could sling his arms around his knees, "I didn't know that was possible... Would have made my life a lot fuckin' easier."

"Is it not possible for you?" The other Espada asked, his tone was careful and reserved but polite, he didn't seem afraid like Szayel or jealous like Nnoitra, he seemed... Tired.

Shiro looked away from his scrutiny, feeling those blue-grey eyes following his expressions, he felt like the Primera was dissecting him, "Don't know. Don't care. Closest I got was appearing beside him... Started off like a ghost but after a while I was able to appear as clearly as ya are now. Couldn't stay out for too long though, took too much energy... Too much effort."

"Your case sound unique, my friend, I wish I had advice to offer." There was a long yawn and a stretch to follow, "Lilynette grows annoyed by my attitude but... Anything which does not bring you joy when you exert the effort to do it... Is not worth the effort to begin with."

"Hm." He grunted and chuckled as he flopped back against the comfortable pile of softness, "But I feel like ya don't think many things are worth the effort, right? Ya like a good nap and peace. That ain't really the attitude of the Primera Espada."

"And that," Starrk smirked faintly and covered his eyes with his arm, "Is why I delegate to Barragan and Harribel. Though I suspect I will rarely even need to do that now, with your presence. Cero Espada... That's a whole lot of responsibility I don't even want to think about."

Breaking into a grin at the man's unflinching personality, Shiro felt himself relaxing a little. Starrk was slothful beyond measure, reluctant and unmotivated but he was intelligent. Shiro liked him. He found his attitude refreshing, and his lack of fear was... Kind of nice.

"May I ask you something, my friend?" Starrk's voice surprised him, as did the sudden serious look in his eyes as he looked over.

"Yeah?" He raised his eyebrows.

"Your reiatsu is incredible, in amount and in weight. I fear the pressure would kill many weaker Hollows within seconds. But it is mangled, torrential and fierce. Yesterday I witnessed your madness and your wildness, as did the other Espada. I find myself wondering..." The man trailed off for a long moment as if thinking hard, "How are you resisting the urge to fight and kill? You seemed consumed by it yesterday."

Shiro made a sound in the back of his throat and shrugged, peering off around the room as he picked at his shihakusho, "Well... I guess... Aizen-sama. I gotta prove that I'm worth the effort. I ain't what he planned for... So I've gotta make it work out. Can't do that by killin' everyone, can I?"

"I see." Starrk's tone and expression didn't change as he rested back down, but his breathing began to slow, "If I might offer some advice though... Find something you want to do for yourself, don't spend the rest of your life living for someone else."

He opened his mouth to reply but was interrupted by a snore, blinking in surprise at how fast the Primera had fallen asleep. The man really was full of surprises. Sighing softly, Shiro prepared to get up and find his next victim, he felt like he could manage a few more visits now he'd experienced the calm of Starrk's nature. He would probably approach Harribel next, she seemed more pleasant than Barragan and Zommari. At the same time... The cushions were really comfortable. And warm. And Starrk's presence was very calming. And very... Welcoming...

Shiro was asleep before his head made contact with the cushions.