The Corona's Madness

"So you came still?" Saraiyu thought her words would scare the much smaller Arrancar. Whenever he arrived outside the garganta, he might notice a huge change. For one it was day, and for another they were outside standing in the air. Down below them spread a huge sprawling modern city. The Corona knew it as Tokyo, but she wasn't sure if her Tricera would. Highly unlikely though...

Head tilted as she looked back over her shoulder, her voice was slow and a bit lazy even if her smile was a bit playful. "So, welcome to the Living World, Shinya. This is a city. It is the first stop on our adventure."

"The living world, huh..?" Shinya repeated, staring down at the city in a mix of surprise and maybe a little sadness.

It certainly looked nothing like he remembered, but maybe that's a good thing? Perhaps he can let go of his anger one day.. psh, yeah right, and he'd replace the Corona as top dog too. But there was something about how the Corona was speaking that made him wary; was she really up to something? Was he walking into trouble? Well, whatever. What happens, happens. He told himself.

"A city, eh?" Shinya grumbled after a bit of thought. "Looks messy."

"It is messy. People die quite a bit, so they tend to attract the weakest of the hollows if they have regrets and stay here. Shinigami also tend to be found in them, passing the souls on. But thats not what I wanted to show you Shinya." Dropping suddenly, Saraiyu headed for the ground a a high speed. She landed gently on the ground, her coat flapping as she touched down. Humans passed by, and cars.

"These are the 'modern' humans and their inventions. Such a hurry and hassle. Nothing like the old days are they?"

Shinya followed Saraiyu to the ground, doing his best to keep up with her speed. A couple seconds after she landed, Shinya touched down and looked around. How odd, no horses, no livestock, no people carrying their food or wares about.. yet these weird things zipped about with humans inside them. "Yeah.. nothing like I remember. These bastards don't even look like they're actually doing anything important!" He spoke, then pointed at the cars that were passing by. "And what the hell is that?!"

Eyes gleaming, Saraiyu spun before doing a little bow, her bells jingling as she moved. "Tadaaa~"

Her smile was a bit smug as she straightened up again, his reaction was all she had wanted of the rather... White Tricera. Too white. His words brought a laugh out of her lips and she held her sides, trying to speak. "Its a car. They ride in them to get places faster. It runs on machinery and some sort of fuel, like for lamps."

"They are doing everything important to them. Those two are courting, I think the one walking there is on their way to their work place and those five over there are going places together to enjoy themselves." She was pleased with herself, Elly had taught her enough for her to pick these out now. When she had first came she might have well been Shinya. "They do so many odd things here in this world. They have places of dancing with bright lights, where you dress oddly and take hallucinogenics to feel more... And they ride around in such odd objects like cars."

"Cars?" Shinya repeated as he looked at the vehicles zooming about, frowning. He didn't like it. Nothing should beat a good horse.. though these.. these things seemed faster than a horse in many ways.

As Saraiyu pointed out the people and what they were doing, Shinya turned his attention to them. How odd, how very odd.. he couldn't get over the way they were dressed either. It differed so much from person to person that he was having a bit of culture shock. As the Corona continued to explain things to him, he tried to take it all in, but it was all too new to him.

"Is this the height of their new lifestyle?" Shinya asked, not sure if he should've asked that or not. Turning his attention at the buildings, Shinya gasped. "WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!" He yelled, pointing up at the sky as a plane passed by overhead.

"Yes, though the technical term I believe is au-to-mo-bile." Saraiyu sounded out the word, unfamiliar with it but hoping she got it right. It wouldn't do to look stupid and say the wrong thing when she was trying to show off. It really wouldn't.

A small hum came from Sarai as she thought about Shinya's question. How to answer? His reaction to a plane was amusing though and she ended up starting to laugh. And kept laughing, long enough to have to hold her sides as it was painful to keep laughing. It could be offensive to the tricera but she couldn't help it, this was amusing.

"Its a plane, it flies in the air carrying people and things. Its rather useful, allowing those without powers to experience such things." She still grinned and broke out in small chuckles, but was containing herself well now. "I don't know if height of their new lifestyle is appropriate. These people don't have to worry as much about many things the earlier humans did, so what would they do with themselves?"

"Tch.." Shinya furrowed his brow as he lowered his head, blushing as the Corona laughed at him. There was so little he didn't know about the human world and it was making him feel quite stupid. Planes and Automobiles.. what other weirdness did humans think up while he was away? But Saraiyu had a point, these humans didn't have nearly as much to worry about as the ones when he was alive.

"Hmm.. so a not nearly as deadly life as back when I was alive, I see.." Shinya mused, crossing his arms. "Is there more yet to show to me?"

Noting the blushy faced reaction amidst her laughing fit, the Corona patted Shinya's cheek once she was in control again. "There there. Some find such blushing adorable you know. It probably doesn't help your careful image."

"More to show... Well I did figure you would take a while to get over some things... This moves my timetable up then." Saraiyu's voice was a bit quiet as she thought. Maybe she should bring THAT out early. Yes, good idea. She nodded to her thoughts and her smile faded.

"Come then. If you tire of my presence so quickly, I must strive to make it less onerous. This way." Hopping to a tree, and then hopping onto and over cars, Saraiyu moved quickly away from the area as she headed to a new location. One of mystery. One that looked just like the one they had left.

"It's not that I tire of your presence, it's merely that I-" Shinya began but when he looked up she was already heading off. "Tch.."

Moving to follow her, Shinya nimbly lept from car to car, following her to the new location. "That's not cool, running off while someone is talking!" He says a bit crossly the moment he was within earshot of the Corona. "Like I was saying, it's not that I tire of your presence, I'm just in a bit of shock from everything I've seen so far."

"Aha! There is spunk in there." Stopping on top of a lightpost, she grinned and gave a small bow as she held out of vestlike robe. The bells all over her outfit jingled and she stayed bowed and unmoving. "You have my deepest apologies for such rude behavior. However, having you in shock is the whole point of this. Its fun."

"What's so fun about me being in shock...?" Shinya grumbled, seemingly pouting a little. Though if called on it he'd totally deny it. Poor Shinya, this is what the humans call a 'Tsundere'.

"Well whatever, let's head to where ever you're taking me this time." Shinya spoke, wondering what sort of shock she'd have in store for him this time.

"Its not fun for you obviously." Hopping down amidst more jingles, Sarai pointed behind the arrancar and then using that hand to pinch his cheek lightly. She was having too much fun, he was rather adorable.

"Shinya, your pouting doesn't help you. It just makes it better for me. Its right there you know." If he would turn around, there would be a large sign flashing in colors. It was bright and all sorts of sounds came from inside. Many younger humans walked inside, Shinya with his looks would have fit right in had they came in gigai form. They rambled about winning and games and probably other slang that might not make any sense to him.

"This is an arcade. They have things in there that are fun. I like them." Walking to the entrance, she waited this time to have Shinya follow her. Though having him pout again would be fun, she must savor it.

"I-I WASN'T POUTING!" He suddenly yelled, his face turning red once more as he vehemently denied the simple act. He was about to say more when he turned around at Saraiyu's mention and saw this place. His eyes went wide and jaw fell open as he took in the noisy place. How did he miss this?! Was he that oblivious?!

Without even thinking, Shinya ran inside and took in the sights before him. There were people doing something on a.. a.. WAS THAT PICTURE MOVING?! WHAT SORT OF WIZARDRY IS THIS?! Before he began to yell about it and look like a fool infront of the Corona again, he decided to inspect it himself and see what's actually going on. Taking a closer look at one of the boxes he was standing near, Shinya watched the players and then the picture. By the looks of it, jiggling that stick and pressing those thingies makes whatever it is on the picture move. "Amazing.." He spoke softly. "This is an.. arcade.."

"I really should let Elly install some cameras or something. I have so many interesting meetings and reactions, its a shame only I get to see them." She was musing to herself, trying to put such a reaction into her memory. As she did so, Shinya left and Saraiyu had to follow the arrancar while smiling.

Oh this was perfect! He was confused but also in awe, yes. Yeeees. Her plan was working. Moving near Shinya, she caught his words as she leaned down to watch the game the human was playing. "They are amazing. If you had a gigai, you could play too."

"I come here when I need to vent. I play that game and those normally." Waving to a game that it seemed like you flailed yourself around on some sort pad, and ones where people were holding things attached to cords and clicking buttons on it, Sarai tried to stifle her smile. "Apparently they make it through electricity and working with technology. Would you like to come back and try it yourself?"

"YES! ...Err I mean, I guess I could.." Shinya spoke, crossing his arms and trying to feign disinterest. It's a little too late for that, buddy, you've been caught red-handed! Even as he turns his nose up at the thought of returning with a Gigai, he's quietly taking glances at some of the games that strike his fancy. Oh Shinya, you're not fooling anyone with that act.

"Hm... I suppose I could then... Go outside and into the alley next to this building. Its a long narrow dark place. I will meet you there." Succeeding in hiding her smug smile and look, Sarai's face was instead one of suffering patience with such an annoyance.

Hoping out of the building and through the walls, she landed in the alleyway and opened a portal. Hoping Shinya would obey her orders, Saraiyu headed back to her tower and closed the portal. It would take her a minute to pull out her gigai, and another second to pull out the gigai she had carefully prepared. Well not so carefully prepared the gigai itself, as much as the clothing. She was picky with her fashion. It looked just like Shinya, but it had much better clothes than she assumed he could pick out on his own. (link)

Her gigai was dressed much more conservatively than her uniform was, though it still showed quite a bit. A long trenchcoat styled overcoat covered tight pants that ended in flat heeled comfortable looking boots. Her top was a button up shirt with the buttons opened a bit farther than most would, showing generous cleavage, though the bottom was buttoned properly so no stomach showed. Her hair was pulled into two ponytails at the sides of her head and she wore a few necklaces. All in all she looked like she fit right into this world.

Coming back out of the portal carrying the body, Sarai hmed and looked around for a second for Shinya. "I have it. You do owe me now. This was a pain to get a hold of without your soul there for measurements."

Shinya did as told, leaving the arcade and walked into the alley, wondering what she was going to do at first. Was she really gonna appear with a Gigai for him? HA! As if! There's no way she could've made one for him without him being there! Standing around waiting, Shinya was a little antsy since he wanted to explore the arcade more, but that'd have to wait until Saraiyu got back.

Strangely enough she appeared behind him, making him jump from the lack of paying attention. "Wah!" He exclaimed, then blinked and looked at the Gigai she held. WHAT THE HELL?! She did have one ready for him! A few things went through Shinya's mind as he processed this: One, Saraiyu was scary for thinking that far ahead. Two, how the heck did she get a gigai made without him being there? And Three, YAY CAN PLAY GAMES NOW!

"I owe you now? I guess that's fine. Not like I had a choice either way." Shinya spoke then quickly entered the Gigai. It felt a bit weird, but nothing he wouldn't get used to. "So, we all set now?"

He was trying very hard to hide the excitement in his voice, and probably failing at it. He was like a kid in a candy store, all bright eyed and full of hope.

He underestimated the Corona. He would not make that mistake again. She memorized most of her subordinates measurements when she could. You never knew when that came in handy. And also may have some other creepy habits we won't get into! Yaaay.

Luckily Shinya either didn't think long on the implications or at all, and just jumped into the body. Perfect. Her forethought had not failed her today! Her face was a cat-like smile as he just accepted his debt. Muahahahhaa.

"We are all set. Now, remember, they can see you now. The gigai doesn't restrict our abilities, so you will have to hold back." Pulling out a wallet from a pocket in the coat, she pulled a few bills out of them and then waved for Shinya to follow her out of the alley.

"You need money to play these, so we have to turn these into a machine to get smaller coins. The games tell you how many are needed, but I'll help you the first few times. Come on!" If he was paying attention, he would probably notice Sarai seemed just as excited, though she tried to mute it.

Following Saraiyu out the alley, Shinya only nodded mutely as he walked. "Money huh? I guess some things never change." He smirks a little, then wonders how exactly he'll get more of it when he doesn't live in this world. Well, that's a thought for another time. For now, he was gonna partake of such an unusually interesting arcade.

As the Corona exchanged coins and gave him some, Shinya didn't know where to go first. "Got any suggestions, Saraiyu?" He asked as calmly as he could, absently glancing at some of the people who passed by, wondering what he looked like to them.

"I think paying for things is the only constant." The pair definitely got looks. Both with their odd colored hair, Sarai's clothes and age definitely older than what normally frequented this place plus her height and looks... Shinya with his white hair, red marks on the eyes and age in comparison to his companion...

A lot recognized Saraiyu though, so they didn't bother them. She made sure Shinya could break the money himself and then stuffed a few in his pockets as she put back her wallet. He was a quick study, she wouldn't have to show him twice she hoped. Looking around with a small hum, she grinned and pointed. Right near them a shooting game had opened up! Both sets of guns were available for use! "Over here! These are really fun. You pick up the gun, thats what its called, and point and push that button with your finger."

Holding up the gun so he could see how it worked, she made sure to properly show him what to do. She aimed at the screen and pretended to shoot at things on screen, with a grin. "Like this, make sure you point at the place where they will show up. The game will limit you on how much you can shoot at a time, so to get more refills on your bullets, the things you are shooting, you have to press the button off screen likes this."

Sarai punctuated her explanations with what you needed to do first. She didn't want him to be unprepared. Whenever he was ready she'd put the coins in and start it up. The zombies and mutants would fall to their weapons!

Shinya studied everything, taking it in with zeal as he followed Saraiyu to a game. She was right in her thoughts; she wouldn't have to show him twice what to do after this. As she explained the rules of the game, Shinya picked up the gun and tested it in his hand. It was an interesting device to be sure, but Shinya just shrugged and put his coins into the machine to mimic the Corona.

As the game started up, Shinya had stars in his eyes and a childish smile on his face as he started his very first video game. He knew just from the first shot that he'd be visiting this place often. As he played, he began to become aware of various things about the game, such as ammo count and life points. At first he did suck a little, but by the second try he had adapted pretty quickly to what he needed to to do to win.

Soon enough, he and the Corona were having a shooting good time taking down zombies and mutants on the game. Who knew the humans would make something so.. enjoyable?

The tricera was definitely improving in his abilties towards this game. Of course the super human reflexes and such probably helped quite a bit, as did Saraiyu's skill. How had she gotten so good? When did she find the time to do such things? How had she found out about these things?

Her smile wide and a bit manic, Sarai laughed every now and then when she scored a good shot or combos. Humans were so interesting! Finally, at long last, they won. They had reached the end of the hordes of monsters, had succeeded, and yet they still didn't get a high score. Sarai sighed and shook her head as she put the plastic gun away. "Once you are better I may be able to beat the two player high score again."

"You should see other games now as well." She had noticed his enjoyment and smile and smirked as she tilted her head. "These humans have time to make such things... The world has improved in so many ways, do you think?"

Once the game ended, Shinya put down the gun and exhaled. Whew, that was exciting! As Saraiyu commented about how humans have advanced and improved over the years, Shinya nodded a little. "Yeah.. I guess so." He spoke, still grudgingly accepting that humans are pretty alright nowadays. Still he was certain that there are still humans that act like the ones that killed him. He might wander the streets to find out later..

But for now, it's playtime!

Saraiyu wasn't blind to the things still going on around her with the humans. At the same time she also wasn't angry at them like Shinya seemed. She'd watch him carefully, see how he reacted once he came into contact with such things.

FOR NOW THOUGH. IT was time for him to see the master at work. "Come on! Over here is my favorite."

She may have been a bit more excited now, and it showed in her odd eyes. Attempting to almost drag Shinya, she made it over to a large game that towered over everyone. This one was also empty, but more due to the fact that Saraiyu herself was there. Stepping up onto the weird pad and stage, she waved her tricera to the one next to her. "Welcome to Dance Dance Revolution! You must hit these buttons with your feet in a dance, in time with the big screen there. See the demo on the screen now? You can set difficulty here..."

She prepared some coins and put enough in for both of them. Pushing her hair aside, she started pressing options for the settings. Her smile was large and genuine, she was obviously happy with this.