Author's Blurbs: Yeah, yeah...been a long time since I updated...been really busy. Currently deployed in Iraq now, so I think it's a bit understandable. But do not fear! For I have not forgotten you, my loyal readers. Now the chapters might be a bit shorter than usual, as evident with this one. And I feel it's a bit rougher (oh baby), mostly due to even less editing and tightening than usual. But it's out there and I'll be editing it and revising (a writers work is never finished) as time permits. Hell, this intro is a day late edit in and of itself.

Anyway, yeah, I'm far too poor to own Bleach. Hope you enjoy this chapter.

Chapter 9: Enter: A Challenger is You!

The moon, a pale presence in the eternally midnight sky, shone down upon the bleach-white sands of Hueco Mundo, the light reflecting off the multi-faceted grains, causing the land to almost glow with an eerie sinister intent. The stark stillness of the air was broken by an abrupt and sudden explosion of sand as a large solid object burst from a nearby dune with a screeching roar.

The object skidded to a violent halt, large clouds of dust streaking out behind it as friction fought inertia, only then revealing that it was, in fact, a sentient creature. As the sand fell around it, one was able to make out four muscular limbs, each adorned with a myriad of wickedly tipped spikes and ending in a large, sickle claw that gleamed in the ever-present moonlight. It slithered back a few paces from the dust that hung about the air, revealing a bone-white exoskeleton that sheathed the creature, each "piece" fitting together like a suit of armor, though there was a large, perfectly circular hole in the chest cavity. A skull-like head, the eyes mere pinpricks of glowing red light, finished off the macabre ensemble as it swung on the serpentine neck toward the hole it just vacated. Every muscle in its body seemed to tense, deadly claws raised, as if waiting expectantly for something, or someone, to follow it.

The eyes glowed brighter as the long moments passed…but nothing revealed itself. The creature gave off a low-clicking sound, as if in disappointment. Slowly, the muscles eased, and it seemed to relax its vigil, if just for a moment. A moment was all that was needed. As a shadow flickered above it, the creature seemed to realize that it had erred, but it was too late. Another body slammed into it from above, driving the snake creature into the ground with a wince inducing crunch and sharply cutting off its gurgled cry of surprise.

There was a brief struggle, a sound of flesh and bone being ripped forcefully from its owner, the muffled cries of pain, before silence once again rang out across Hueco Mundo. As the dust settled, the victor stood supreme, silhouetted against the black canvass of the sky.

Bone-white, just like its victim, it looked very much akin to the dragons of legend. Powerful hind legs held its prey in place as the last of the death throes wore themselves out, and the forearms had already started ripping and splitting the tough outer skeleton, the purple blood oozing off its clawed fingers as it stuffed hunks of still warm flesh into its gaping maw. Leathery wings and the sinewy tail flicked and fanned to maintain balance as the creature sated its hunger, each mouthful sending waves of power coursing through its body. For not only did he consume the flesh, but in killing and eating his adversary, the creature increased its own literal power; becoming faster, stronger, smarter.

Still, and the red eyes narrowed, it wasn't enough. It was never enough. It would kill again. And again. It was a never ending cycle. Each influx of power only increased its yearning for more…it was so close…so close to that next level…The beast could feel that promise, dancing just barely out of reach, flitting as if a dream. It was an insatiable primal urge. Yes…soon…very soon. He would ascend…

The slightest noise alerted him that he was not alone. It was the lightest of footfalls, but to this veteran of Hueco Mundo, it came with all the subtlety of a gunshot. With a snarl, it whipped its horned head around, facing down whatever impudent being that would dare challenge him.

The challenge died in its throat, and the red eyes widened in surprise. The figure was no more than a mere shadowy outline against the bright light of the moon, but it exuded such a sense of power that the normally proud creature could not help but be humbled. The being stood with an air of supreme confidence, all weight shifted calmly to one side, a fact which only perturbed the dragon-like creature more. No one walked so carelessly through the sands…unless…

"Ahhhhhh…" said Gin, his eternally slitted eyes absorbing the scene out before him. The aftermath of the fight was quite…what was the word…exquisite. "Seems like I found what was looking for. What's your name, hollow?"

It wasn't so much of a question, as it was a demand in the disguise of the hollow having a choice whether or not to answer, though one of the two options was not really an option…if the hollow wanted to continue going on living that is. Briefly, the hollow considered attacking this small being…if it could get him in arms length, surely it could rip him limb from limb…

A subtle wind carried itself across the sands at that moment, causing Gin's robe to gently follow the path of the breeze. As if sensing the hollow's thoughts, the grin got wider, though never truly touching his eyes. Common sense prevailed, and the hollow answered, if somewhat reluctantly, in a deep voice that scrapped and clawed across one's ears. "My name is Grianliare." The hatred in the hollows eyes was palpable.

"Ah, good, ya know? I've got something for ya." Again, not so much of a request as a demand.

Still…one didn't live as long as he did by being stupid. "What is it…master?"

Gin's grin finally touched his eyes.