A/N The saga should get more interesting now that I've finally reached a power uprgrade. No it's not a video game but I'm trying to progress the plot gradually so you gain an appreciation for my character. This is only the beggining of a new era in my hollow life. Let's continue...

Episode 19: Evolution I

Conception… Life is created in the infinitely microscopic moment of the Big Bang. Simple particles form to make atoms. Atoms bond into various molecules. Organic compounds...proteins...enzymes...DNA...This story takes us a few thousand million years but I seem to have travelled through a wormhole of time itself. The compounds meld into cells. These cells combine to create the embryo – the lifeform is born. A living thing with a mind and spirit has awakened from the ashes of the Phoenix. I am...reborn again...

I reach for the canopies of the treetops. I could peer above the very heavens of this place if it weren't for gravity chaining my feet to the ground. I am frustrated by my limitations and scream to the heavens in hope they will heed my call.

"GRAAAAOOOWWWW!"

It doesn't work so I try to make it louder to rouse them. "GRRRAAAAAAAOOOWWWWW!"

Still they ignore me. I stomp my feet and slam my loose arms against the trees like giant maces. The trees give way but the dark space remains the sole barrier to my goal.

Defeated, I search the woods for some provisions. The trees that once seemed like towers now become a nuisance as they impede my progress like thick shrubs in a forest. The once enormous branches to which some of the hollows habituate are now petty twigs. I swat my long thin arms to move them away. These hollows are mere insects now. They buzz along as I crush them before consuming the morsels. These won't do...I have to find something bigger...

I hear them now...not the other creatures...but the voices...I can't understand what they want from me...their all trying to shout at once...please calm down...please - JUST SHUT UP!

"GRAAAOOOWWW!" I find that yelling over the top of them suppresses their taunts.

The others have found me...they all waddle like large distorted birds. They are curious at my slightly different appearance...though really I am not much better than these pathetic beasts.

One of them cranes their neck for a closer inspection. He must be frustrated at my odd appearance. Since I am a threat they must kill me. It is either become the hunter or hunted in this world now. Survival of the fittest rules this bestial land.

The closest one inhales the air around me. I feel the suction as he inhales and gathers up spiritual energy in the cavity of his mouth. Something red and glowing develops. It looks like it might be dangerous. So I raise my hand and throttle it onto his mouth, capturing the orb of energy. I howl as my hand becomes incinerated by the red flames. I stare at my lost hand but soon the appendage returns to my possession. The white flesh bubbles into regenerated tissue. However my idle hand growth watching has allowed the beast to form the ball of energy into an even larger one. It could fire at any second. I decide the best course of action is to lock his jaw shut with both hands and at least diffuse the blast. I bring up my two milky white hands and hold the beasts head with all my strength. He becomes highly stressed and tries to release my grip but he's struggles are futile. Beams of red erupt from the fine gaps between his teeth and blind my vision. I am dazzled by this colourful display but am now deafened by the noise. The explosion shatters the very wooden limbs of this forest. When my vision returns I am shocked to discover the magnitude of the blast which seems to have vaporised the beasts head.

Fragments of mask and bone hail down on my position and confuse the others. I quickly grab this opportunity to devour the headless footsoldier. This action only aggravates his comrades (or pack) as they all form red orbs of destruction. I am outnumbered. I only managed to stop one of these guys. How can I possibly take on a dozen?

A row of red lights face me. The whole forest is illuminated. They sound volatile, I wonder if these creatures are able to handle such energy. In desperation I charge towards them. I manage to knock a few over, making several more fall like dominoes. However another wave of devastation has formed behind them. They move their head and lock on to my position. It matters not if I try to move or struggle. I will be toasted before I even had a real chance to try out this new body.

Just as the violent death seems imminent a group of them are taken down by an unknown enemy. The others become distracted and through their docile nature, are also slain by the mysterious figure. The rest of them stare in confusion and eventually disperse.

"I'm glad you managed to survive that one...This is your last chance though..."The voice is unfortunately familiar.

Shrieker is now level with me. The first time we met we were awkward allies. The next time we met he had saved me from Orihime's mysterious and sudden power surge. The third time we met was as enemies...he was allowed to become a Menos before I had the chance to. Now that we both seem to have attained the new power, can I perceive him as a friend...or food?

It seems I have beomce one of the most powerful type of hollow - a Menos Grande. With it comes the reward of extra strength and power, however I have unlocked new threats, externally...and from within. In a dog eat dog world who will survive the chaos? Don't miss the next thrilling chapter!