Hallelujah [Social | Closed | R]

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

It had been a while since the weather was this nice. Rain had fallen off and on in recent weeks, making getting out of bed difficult for most. Dealing with something so inconsistent could cause issues with every-day lives, but it looked like it was finally clearing up. The sun was shining brightly and the temperature was extremely pleasant. No jacket necessary, but long sleeves and pants would be comfortable. The air smelled clean and free of pollutants. That, alone, was a nice surprise. Normally, city scents would leak into smaller towns and contaminate everything. It wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but that would hinder the air from smelling as fresh as it did on this day.

Ideally, anyone would be outside enjoying the environment. Maybe they'd set up a picnic or go for a walk with their family and pets. Perhaps they would go shopping at an outdoor mall or some other fun activity. All of those sounded lovely. And none of them were being done. Not by Shizuka. The Fullbringer sat by herself at some tables outside of the local Starbucks. She was sipping on some chai that was steamed to the perfect temperature. It smelled like cinnamon and Christmas but tasted like gingerbread. This was her favorite beverage and she wanted to take advantage of her sudden free time.

She hadn't been out on jobs in quite a while. It wasn't that she couldn't, but she simply didn't feel like it. She had been trying to recruit some new hires into Xcution as of late, hoping to bring in some solid talent. She was successful, but she wanted more. She wasn't done yet. There were spiritually aware individuals out there whose powers far surpassed some she's seen even thus far. The information she had on them was, unfortunately, not too extensive. Shizuka had to think of the next best course of action for this case. She had sent out a personal invitation. She didn't know if this man would respond, but even if he didn't, she had her drink to enjoy.

The blonde was wearing her usual choice of wardrobe. She had on her golden Fullbring whose sealed form looked like golden, heeled shoes. She sported a tight pair of jeans that hugged her shape quite nicely, accompanied by a loose, white halter top with a large star printed on the back. It was reminiscent of the star used for the Dallas Cowboys, but it was purple instead. She had this star printed on quite a few of her clothing articles, including jackets and other shirts she liked to wear frequently. Her hair was pulled up into a thick, voluminous ponytail to keep the majority of it out of her face. All that remained hanging in front was her bangs.

Her legs were crossed over each other as she scrolled along on her phone, looking for the next funny post on Instagram. Shizuka definitely didn't look as if she were waiting for anyone, but the person she was waiting for would know who to look at immediately. She made it obvious. She didn't mask her Reiatsu signature at all. She knew he would be able to sense and find her, and that's what she wanted. Shizuka had a conversation she wanted to bring up with this person. It was like an agreement of sorts. A conditional consensus. Convincing him was going to be the challenge, but this Fullbringer had a tendency of being highly persuasive.

"At least I have my entertainment if I get stood up," she began, smiling as she browsed pictures of cute dogs. "But I don't believe he's going to want to do that."

[Col Arana]

It was very rare for Col to receive an invitation anywhere. He was not necessarily easy to find, else Shinigami would have hunted him down years ago. And yet the invitation had come all the same. This intrigued Col, in a way not since his encounter with Douma had. A meeting, that Col had been disappointed to find, had not had anything come of it. A real pity that. Still the arrancar ultimately supposed that nothing had really changed. He'd always been alone. Since the very start. Since before he died, since before he became an arrancar, even within the Escudo, for the Escudo had been nothing but islands; Every single one of them isolated from each other. Col had never known anything different, why should Douma have proven a change? But still... This invitation... Col couldn't refuse it. He wanted to know what was going on.

Fortunately for everyone involved that day, Col had already gorged himself earlier on a group of Hollows. His hunger was well sated, and he had cleaned himself off. The sun shone down on the arrancar, his silver hair gleaming in the beams of light as he walked among the people of the Human World. Undetected and unnoticed. Col did not use gigai. He didn't find artificial bodies. He did not possess that benefit. A stranger in this world, unnoticed by any of its denizens. Well. Unnoticed by most of its denizens. Col had already homed in on the signature of the one who had sent him the invitation. It could not be any other. Col's ability to sense reiatsu was extremely keen, and since Shizuka was not concealing her reiatsu she stuck out like a signal flare. Certainly Col noticed other minor perturbations across his senses, but they were meager and pointless. Nothing more than people with the vaguest sense of spiritual awakening. Only one person in the area was worth Col's time. Was worth talking to. He was still a little ways away, but he took his time with his leisurely afternoon stroll. Enjoying the weather in fact. Though Col had a certain enjoyment of the more miserable weathers-- very apt to wax poetic or philosophical, he couldn't deny he enjoyed the pleasant warmth from the sun up above. His hunger was sated, the day was lovely... Col found himself in as good a mood as he really got. Shizuka had picked a good day and time to meet with the arrancar.

As Col rounded the side of the coffee shop-- ah, yes, the humans called it "Starbucks", his gaze immediately fell upon the woman. Ah. So it was a woman that had sent it. And she felt... immensely powerful, Col recognized. Her power might even have surpassed his. A rarity in this world. Col was guarded, initially but let it slide. Sure, he'd eaten humans before. Col had made some enemies. But as far as he was aware no dwellers of the Human World had any particular reason to single him out as an enemy. At least not to the extent of setting a trap for him with this invitation. Col himself was almost fooled by her display of flicking through her phone. In fact he would have been deceived by it, if he didn't know she had been the one that invited him. He conceded the drink she was enjoying smelled delightful. A pity Col found that he himself couldn't simply walk into the shop and order one himself unless the barista on duty happened to be unusually sensitive to Hollows and Arrancar. Another pleasure of the human world denied him. Col did indeed catch Shizuka's statement however, as she flicked through her phone.

"Oh indeed not." Came the reply. "I confess I think it's been years since anyone has bothered to extend me an invitation to anywhere." Col stated from behind Shizuka. His reiatsu was suppressed at the moment, though that was not for the sake of tricking Shizuka. On a day like this, Col didn't want a Shinigami patrol to catch wind of him and potentially cause a mess of this little meeting. "I must confess I'd be remiss if I were to avoid a meeting with someone of your caliber and talent." He stated. "Contacting me must not have been an easy task for you." He began to walk around Shizuka so that he could appropriately face her, without forcing the woman to turn around in her seat, to stare at what to everyone else would look like air. Granted, she might still be stuck talking to the air by most people's eyes, but this might at least seem a bit more convenient for her. Col stood initially on the other side of the table, as though politely waiting to be asked to be seated, rather than make a presumption. "I must say, I am very interested in hearing why you called me out here today. Not many seem particularly interested in enjoying my company. Not even my own kind." He admitted. "But where are my manners? Though you likely already know who I am, I feel I should still introduce myself formally. I am Col Arana. And you are, Miss...?" He inquired.

There wasn't any notable sarcasm in Col's tone. He seemed to genuinely be attempting to uphold himself as a gentleman. Col was certainly arrogant, but he could see Shizuka's power, and was, unconsciously, wary of it. With most other people, Col had little issue speaking down to them. But he still aimed to be a civilized individual and break away from his Hollow roots, even if he was unable to truly change the core of his being. And at a glance thus far, Shizuka certainly seemed worthy of a certain level of respect from him.

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

Shizuka was slightly startled by the sudden presence of the man standing beside her, so a quick breath inwards followed the jump within her seat. She laughed briefly at herself, hating how excitable she could be, but it was funny. She had to admit that much. Her expression changed almost immediately to something more jolly as she put on her best, most welcoming smile. She didn't turn around to face her guest just yet. Though the tables around them weren't crowded, she didn't want anyone to think she was being too much of a spazz. Humans could see humans. Not everyone could see people like him.

"Oh my gosh. You just scared the poop outta me!" Shizuka said inbetween quiet giggles.

"I must confess I'd be remiss if I were to avoid a meeting with someone of your caliber and talent. Contacting me must not have been an easy task for you."

"Oh, it wasn't. Actually, all of the data I could find on you was extremely limited. I had a name and general whereabouts, but aside from that, I had to extrapolate things on my own. I've been in this business for years, you know. I learned a trick or two when it comes to general stalking."

He was considerate enough to try to make talking to Shizuka easier, and she mentally thanked him for that. The physical side of the sentiment was matched with a nod and curious head tilt. She had to avoid speaking too loudly. She didn't think anyone was eavesdropping, but that never meant they weren't. She may have been confident in herself, but she was also cautious. She didn't want to risk her safety or his during this meeting. The only thing she could think to do was subconsciously scare the others away with Soul Command, making them think they needed to leave for whatever reason. Maybe she could make the wind do something to push them away? Or she could just be careful with her words. Or they could move. The point was that they had options.

"I must say, I am very interested in hearing why you called me out here today. Not many seem particularly interested in enjoying my company. Not even my own kind. But where are my manners? Though you likely already know who I am, I feel I should still introduce myself formally. I am Col Arana. And you are, Miss...?"

"Shizuka! Shizuka Sanamizu. You don't need to be so formal with me. You're among a friend, and I mean that. Go ahead and have a seat. I'll just make it look like the chair moved when I pushed it with my foot. Oh, and don't you worry, Col. I'll always enjoy your company."

It's true that she had a reason for meeting up with him. She wanted to talk to him about a couple of things, but she wasn't going to be able to convince him that any of it was a good idea right off the bat. She knew this. Shizuka leaned forward, looking as if she were still focused on her phone, and rested her chest on her left arm. She hoped Col wouldn't see it as rude. She was honestly just being careful about how she looked. If nothing else, maybe passersby would think she were talking in the phone and it was on speaker or something. She didn't really care, but she didn't want anyone to be suspicious of who she was with even if they could see him.

"I've heard a lot about you, though. All positive things! But I've still heard some stuff. Word on the street is that you have quite a record," she began, occasionally glancing up at him with slowly blinking eyes and a somewhat predatory smile. "Do you have a place to call your home anymore? Somewhere you feel welcome? Maybe somewhere you could satisfy some carnal cravings you may have? And I don't necessarily mean in that sense. I want you to vent to me. Talk to me. Let me learn about you. I can swear on my own life that I am not here to hurt you. I'd never do such a thing."

[Col Arana]

Col gave an amused smirk at Shizuka's reaction to his comment from behind. "Not to worry. You're not the first." He replied, listening as she informed him of her particular talents in tracking people down. "I can tell. I'm quite impressed you managed to find me. You might even be the first in decades." Col accepted Shizuka's offer of pushing out the chair for him, and took a seat, folding his hands on the table in front of him. This was unusual for Col. And actually he found it quite enjoyable. Civilized conversation. Most of the time it was all just "Aaaah! Arrancar!" and a Shinigami trying to stab him or run away from him. And being unaffiliated with Las Noches also meant that Col... really... didn't socialize with his own kind either. A straight loner. He hadn't had an honest, simple conversation with someone since... Well probably since Tsukuyomi Kawada. Which had still ended in a fight anyways. Having someone just sit and talk to him was surprisingly nice. At her line about enjoying his company, and her introduction Col offered a more pleasant smile. "That's a bold thing to say when you barely know me, Miss Shizuka. And a bolder thing to say, when I consider that you likely are aware of my activities." He replied, folding his hands on the table. Col had certainly left absolute carnage in his wake in the human world on multiple occasions, and he doubted that Shizuka was unaware of that.

Shizuka began to delve into the meat of the discussion, and had Col hanging on her every word. She was a decent diplomat, Col considered. Whether her amiability was an act or genuine, it was effective at making the arrancar more disposed towards at least hearing her out. "Have I? Well, I suppose I have been busy lately." That whole affair with Douma and his crew. It had been both an invigorating and frustrating experience. Col still felt a slight twinge of pain where that one Shinigami's electric sword had cut him in the side every now and again, though the wound had almost completely healed by now.

But that smile? Oh... Col recognized that smile, and he matched it when he saw it on Shizuka's face. She was starting to play her game. "I have a certain abode in Hueco Mundo." Col stated. "Though I concede it is really more of a "lair" than a proper home. An old holdover from before... Well..." Col lifted a hand and brushed his hair aside, to show the mask fragment on his brow. As Shizuka continued, Col smirked. "Well. You do seem more than you let on, Miss Shizuka." He began. "I don't mind telling you a bit more. As I said, I don't often get invited anywhere, so I rarely have the opportunity." Col seemed to consider for a moment. "But it's true I live a nomadic lifestyle. Being unseen by most of the world of the living has its perks. I can make my home almost anywhere I please, without the inhabitants any the wiser. An apartment in the city, a mansion, an office building. It doesn't matter for the most part. Besides. I find it I stay in one place too long, my eating habits have a tendency of attracting Shinigami." He explained, and took a look around. So many people around. All of them little more than appetizers. Low calorie snacks, about as filling to Col's appetite as a single toffee would be to most other people.

"Unlike most arrancar, you see, my transformation was not quite... proper. Incomplete, as it were. I can go into the details another day if you so wish, but the end result is that I have not managed to evolve beyond the primal hunger I possessed as a Hollow. It's a matter that is quite displeasing to me." Col mentioned. Calling it displeasing was an understatement. Col despised his endless hunger that demanded it be sated. He could dress himself up in as many pretty words as he liked. Engage in philosophy and scholarly discussion. Enjoy fine wines, enjoy the arts. At the core of his being, Col considered himself little more than an animal. An animal that had been denied the chance to walk upright, no matter how much it longed to. And he despised that of himself, consenting only to keep that beast inside caged up as long as he could manage. "As a result, my feeding habits do tend to be similar to a Hollows, I'm afraid. I do still consume other souls, to keep that hunger at bay. Is that distasteful to you, Miss Shizuka?" He asked, and his tone wasn't taunting or mocking. It seemed as though he were asking a genuine question of her. An attempt to gauge Shizuka's attitude.

"Since you are so kind as to extend this invitation to me, I shall extend you the same courtesy." He added, in response to her insisting that she was not here the do him harm. "And what of yourself? Who is it that you really are? No normal woman, I see. I could sense your power from a near mile away. It is vast and considerable. You are not someone who reached where you are easily, or inconsequentially." He considered. "You must have quite a few stories of your own to tell, and I would be quite interested in hearing them, if you don't mind telling me of them yourself." He suggested. Yes... This conversation was delightful. It had been so long since Col had actually had the chance to enjoy anything like this, and he had no intention of cutting this discussion short with unnecessary aggression or condescension.

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

The Fullbringer listened carefully as Col continued. She was fascinated. She never actually knew about the transformation process from Hollow to Arrancar, and she was excited to see an Arrancar like Col separated from Las Noches. It was an experience, to say the least. One that she was glad she finally had. The story was intriguing and held her attention more than most things, except for when Luke was getting undressed for a shower. She wasn't good at ignoring that. She always wanted to watch the water run down his body. He'd worked hard for it and it showed.

Drooling fantasies aside, the scientist within the blonde screamed out with excitement and hated when Col didn't explain his situation further. She didn't mind him getting so personal, though. In fact, she loved it. This was a good sign because it meant he felt comfortable with her. She wanted him to feel that way. It would make the offer she had more meaningful if she could create that kind of friendly bond. Shizuka wasn't the type to shoot first and ask questions later, and that sometimes got her into a lot of trouble. She always wanted to reason with people or try to convince them to take a different route. It didn't work every time.

"Unlike most arrancar, you see, my transformation was not quite... proper. Incomplete, as it were. I can go into the details another day if you so wish, but the end result is that I have not managed to evolve beyond the primal hunger I possessed as a Hollow. It's a matter that is quite displeasing to me."

Perhaps it would work this time, however. Shizuka's already present smile grew wider. She was starting to hear about the important details. These were the kinds of things she took and abused. She was going to milk it for all it was worth and try to get him to tell her more. He likely wouldn't share too much without some kind of information in return, so Shizuka considered a few options. She had tons of stories! She loved talking about herself. She wasn't always so much of a blowhard, but she did like being chatty. Since Col was being so amiable, the blonde could already tell it would be a fairly open conversation.

"As a result, my feeding habits do tend to be similar to a Hollows, I'm afraid. I do still consume other souls, to keep that hunger at bay. Is that distasteful to you, Miss Shizuka?"

Ah, there it was. "No, darling. In fact, a Hollow works for me as my Shadow. I know you know who I work for and what I do, but if you don't, I can explain in a moment. Continue."

"Since you are so kind as to extend this invitation to me, I shall extend you the same courtesy. And what of yourself? Who is it that you really are? No normal woman, I see. I could sense your power from a near mile away. It is vast and considerable. You are not someone who reached where you are easily, or inconsequentially. You must have quite a few stories of your own to tell, and I would be quite interested in hearing them, if you don't mind telling me of them yourself."

She beamed. "Oh my gosh, you are so sweet! Actually, it's really flattering to hear you say that about me. I worked for a long time to get to where I am today. Before I start on that, though, let me say something to you." Her facial expressions became more serious, but definitely very genuine and kind. "What you do will never define who you are. You must survive, correct? So keep surviving. Perhaps, if it really bothered you, you may consider only taking out bad people." She took a sip from her chai and smiled coyly. "I may be able to supply you with what you need to live in a way that works for both of us. But I'd never make you do anything that causes you to feel uncomfortable. I'm not here to force this bargain."

Which was true. Shizuka was the type who was always fairly generous and caring to anyone so long as they weren't a Shinigami, though even they have been passed on quite a few times by her. She remembered Celes for a brief moment and how she'd simply let the poor girl go with hopes that she'd become stronger one day. If they were ever going to go up against each other, she wasn't going to fight Celes as she was. Shizuka would kill her with her thumb if she tried. That wasn't what she wanted. Murdering an innocent person who had nothing to do with one of the worst moments in Shizuka's life wasn't an option for her.

"But forgive me! I do love telling stories. I was born in Italy but didn't stay there for too long. I have two long human parents and one older sister, but she's the only one who isn't at least slightly spiritually aware. I'm the only Fullbringer and the others are normal humans. I grew up like a regular kid and met this guy that I had a really solid connection with, but that didn't work out too well. Then he got murdered by a Shinigami and I had already had quite a dislike of them in the first place, so that made it worse. Now I want to find her squad and take all of them out because one of my friends, Douma, told me Taiho was actually dead already." She tilted her head and grinned sheepishly. "No use in lying to you, right? I guess we both have some baggage."

[Col Arana]

Col noticed the interest in his explanation that Shizuka had, and made a mental inclination to continue in a bit. They were both of them seeming to interest the other in their stories, and so Col was willing to feed Shizuka's curiosity as she fed into his. It was a welcome surprise to hear, in fact, that Shizuka wasn't offput by his feeding habits. Cannibalism, Col understood, was still something heavily looked down upon by the human world. It was not something he expected-- to hear Shizuka simply shrug off the fact that Col: An arrancar. A being that should have evolved beyond such primitive hungers, still desired to devour living souls. Even if she had a Hollow working as her shadow, it was still a surprise. And Col would express as much. "I did not expect to hear that." Col replied. "Most arrancar have surpassed that, by the nature of their transformation. Their transformation was more complete, and their hungers overcome." He contemplated matters for a moment. "My transformation was not controlled. I did not remove my mask by my own will. Nor was it removed by the acts of that filth, Sonken Kouhai. Hmmm.... No, that's not quite right. It may be more accurate to say that it was absolutely because of that filth Sonken Kouhai. He sent one of his precious Espada to recruit me to his cause once. She found me disgusting. I found her quite the opposite." A dangerous glint flickered in Col's eyes as he recalled the battle. "We fought for several days, she and I, until, in desperation, she found an opening and tore my mask from my face in mid-combat. My power was great enough to survive the experience, but the circumstances were poor. My transformation was rushed. As I said. Incomplete. I gained the form, and the power of an arrancar. I even regained my sanity and mind. But a shame, that such things have to coexist now, with my nature as a Hollow." He stated regretfully.

Shizuka also told Col of herself, and her story. Her words of encouragement were not missed, and Col had an amused smile at that. "Well, indeed I am a survivor. Though to be quite honest, if we are to discuss personal philosophies, I do not entirely agree with the notion of "bad people". There are people, with many motives and ideals, and those happen to collide at times. My enemies are no more "evil" than I am, there are merely personal grudges between us that must be settled one day." He recounted. "Nonetheless, thank you for your words of encouragement. And now we reach the meat of the matter." Col leaned towards Shizuka slightly, as she mentioned that she might be able to supply him with a means to survive steadily. A bargain.... Col's smile turned again into a smirk as he waited for her to continue. "Please go on, you have my full attention, Ms. Shizuka."

The woman had given Col an account of her life story, and at a certain detail, Col laughed. An amused sound. Not bone chilling, intimidating or or anything like that. It wasn't a wicked one, it was one of genuine amusement. "Italy you say?" Col had a very pleased smile. "How remarkable. What a small world this is. Though it has been a very long time, I still also recall the city of my origins. Once, long ago, before my mortal death, I called Vienna my home." Col explained to Shizuka with a look of actual mirth in his expression at the coincidence, but aside from the minor interruption allowed her to continue.

"Well, well. It seems that the Soul Society has caused you grief." Col stated. "I'm afraid that as one who has dwelt in solitude for so long I cannot understand that pain, though I am sorry for your loss." He stated. Col had never had anyone particularly close to mourn. Hell, he'd outright eaten his parents after their neglect, and focus on their research had killed him. "But there's a name I know well. Douma you say?" He inquired. "I don't suppose you've heard from him lately. I also have some business to attend to with him, and yet he seems to have disappeared again." Col sighed. How frustrating indeed. And he'd even given up a potential meal as a token of friendship to the mercenary leader. Albeit, as a means of paying a debt. "Of course, the lovely thing about revenge is that the target of your vengeance can spread to those around them. Even if the Shinigami responsible has perished, I am certain that his division still exists. And considering your power... I imagine the only thing that keeps you from taking vengeance yourself, is reaching into the Seireitei." Col mused. "Or have Fullbringers managed to discern a way to traverse between worlds as well now?"

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

Col's own story wasn't quite as cheerful as Shizuka had hoped. His transformation was rushed and it must have made him feel so incomplete. She had to admit, though not out loud, that she wasn't entirely too sure how Hollow transformation into Arrancar worked. She'd never seen it first-hand or asked about it at all before today. Frankly, though she knew of the process, she didn't exactly pay much attention to it outside of the fact that it just happens. Though, other details were also interesting. He originated from Italy! That was cool. She didn't meet many other Italians. That common ground made her smile before she continued and eventually explained herself to him.

"Well, well. It seems that the Soul Society has caused you grief. I'm afraid that as one who has dwelt in solitude for so long I cannot understand that pain, though I am sorry for your loss."

"Loss happens to everyone. Tragic loss can be difficult to cope with. I've learned, but it allowed for this rather unhealthy feeling to grow within me." She was speaking of the desire for revenge.

"But there's a name I know well. Douma you say? I don't suppose you've heard from him lately. I also have some business to attend to with him, and yet he seems to have disappeared again."

Shizuka shook her head. "Actually, no. And it's pretty disappointing. I haven't seen him since I got pulled into that weird mission a while ago where I was holding off some Kenpachis. That's such a weird name to call them, yet we do. Odd. Anyway, he was supposed to help me with this whole deal in exchange for my own services with his. I considered it a solid contract."

"Of course, the lovely thing about revenge is that the target of your vengeance can spread to those around them. Even if the Shinigami responsible has perished, I am certain that his division still exists. And considering your power... I imagine the only thing that keeps you from taking vengeance yourself, is reaching into the Seireitei. Or have Fullbringers managed to discern a way to traverse between worlds as well now?"

"Fullbringers?" Shizuka laughed. "God, no. But this one has. A Hollow works for me out of obligation to act on a bargain. She's able to open portals to other worlds, though I suppose opening one to Soul Society hasn't yet been tested by myself. Col, I make no empty offers. Though I extend my friendship each time, it's more than just an alliance. It's a promise."

But something else hit her ears, albeit a little bit late. It had finally processed what Col said. He was right. He was totally right. These things could spread like fire and grow to include anyone close to Taiho. Shizuka didn't have to personally kill that Shinigami if she could get her hands on the members of her Squad. Or even... Shizuka's eyes grew wide, though she forced herself to look down at the table so Col wouldn't see how crazy she likely appeared. It was as if a light bulb suddenly went off. That was something Douma had mentioned, too. Taiho was no longer around, but those who worked with her... They were.

"Col, I can give you the control you seek. You don't like your hunger? Well, I do. I can either help you control that feeling so that it doesn't overshadow all of your being or supply you with the means of satisfying it." The Fullbringer stretched her hand out, hoping Col would take it. "Let me help you. Join me and let me do everything within my power to bring you peace, however that may be. You're no monster, and though 'bad' may be seen as subjective, I can assure you that you'd be taking out the worst. Just talk to me and I'll listen. And in return, all I ask for is your power and support."

[Col Arana]

Col was finding this meeting just as enjoyable as Shizuyoko. Shizuyoko had done a marvelous job of endearing Col to her, and drastically improving the arrancar's disposition toward her. This was quite rare, but extremely good for her case. The mercenary could very well acquiesce solely based on the chance to spend more time with someone that didn't treat him like a monster. But with that said, though he was appreciative of Shizuka's attitude toward him, he hadn't completely dropped his guard, as would be evident shortly. But it was still going to influence his decisions today, that was for certain. That was definite.

It was a shame that she hadn't heard from Douma either. The man had dropped off the map entirely it seemed. That likely meant he was either dead, or that he was plotting something major. Or in hiding. Honestly. In Douma's field, this much silence could mean a great many things, most of them annoying to Col. It seemed Shizuka had her fair share of stories to tell as well. "Ah... A shame. I'd have liked to have been there to see it. It sounded like a tremendous battle, with many delicious foes." Col's eyes gleamed, and for a split second, the sadistic hunter inside was exposed for a moment. He'd eaten a Kenpachi once or twice. Their spiritual energy was so potent it had come near to filling Col up. But the instant passed, and then Col was his attempted gentlemanly self again. "A strange man. How improper, to leave a lady like yourself hanging like that. Though I suppose it is similar to my own encounter. I encountered one of his subordinates at the scene of a battle between a number of mercenary factions. During the battle, I captured one of their leaders, and Douma offered a contract with him. I was highly inclined to take it. And then, as with yourself, he never contacted me again. It is a dreadfully disappointing notion. I'd actually been looking forward to seeing what chaos he managed to cause" Col gave Shizuka a smile that was rather dissonant with the subject at hand.


The conversation shifted and moved, and as Shizuka mentioned her hollow that could take her to Soul Society, Col nodded in understanding. "Well. If it means a chance to enjoy your fine company, I do not mind being used as an alternate route to the Seireitei, should you choose to use me as such." He replied briefly. And besides. It's been a little while since I dined on Shinigami Col added in his mind. "Even if your Hollow cannot, I certainly can, and have done so. Besides. I'm working on a little project that will make coming and going from Soul Society so much easier." He added pleasantly, interlacing his fingers in front of him. Col saw the flash of realization in Shizuka's eyes. He knew that look. The look of one who realized their dream was not so out of reach after-all. And this caused the corners of Col's mouth to twitch into a grin again. But he said nothing. Shizuka could reach her own conclusions with regards to that. No, now came the meat of their discussion.

Shizuka made a lot of offers and Col was silent for a moment. "I will gladly accept your friendship, Shizuka." He replied. "You are truly a rarity in any of the three worlds, as far as I have encountered, and I would be glad to name you a friend." The word "friend" rolled off Col's tongue strangely. A phrase he wasn't used to saying. A phrase he wasn't used to thinking. People were tools in this world. Companionship was a near alien concept to Col, but for a few brief moments, enjoying the company of someone with whom no enmity existed... Well. It was telling indeed, that in three hundred years, Shizuka was the first individual that Col had a conversation like this with. "As far as your offer and promise. I won't deny it intrigues me." He noted, looking at Shizuka's extended hand. "And you do not know how coincidental your words are. You are not the first to approach me with that precise offer. Once, long ago, a being that called itself the Mozo said the same to me. But alas, that thing is long passed." Col considered Shizuka's words. "I am inclined to accept your offer. But before I do, I must ask you one thing. You ask me for my power and support. What shall that entail, Miss Shizuka?" He asked. "A hired blade to help you cut down your enemies? A spy in the right places? Some muscle to bring forth in times of need?" He gave a pause. "Do not mind my descriptions of such ideas. In truth I have no objection to being any of the above. However, charming you may be, I still would prefer to know some more precise details of what you would expect from me."

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

"I will gladly accept your friendship, Shizuka. You are truly a rarity in any of the three worlds, as far as I have encountered, and I would be glad to name you a friend."

Shizuka beamed. More so than even making successful offers and gaining recruits, this filled the Fullbringer with pride enough to spill out into the ocean. Did he truly mean it? A friend? That was the most exciting thing to happen to the woman all day! In fact, she was so thrilled that she hadn't realized she was practically bouncing in her seat like a sugar-happy child. She caught on to her actions quickly and ceased, regaining her composure as she did so. Those words meant more to her than Col may ever know, though if he spent enough time with her, he'd find out soon enough. Friendship was invaluable.

"I am inclined to accept your offer. But before I do, I must ask you one thing. You ask me for my power and support. What shall that entail, Miss Shizuka? A hired blade to help you cut down your enemies? A spy in the right places? Some muscle to bring forth in times of need? Do not mind my descriptions of such ideas. In truth I have no objection to being any of the above. However, charming you may be, I still would prefer to know some more precise details of what you would expect from me."

"Fair enough," she began, taking back her hand with a kind smile. The people around them had started dissipating as their day continued, leaving Shizuka more freedom to speak. "I don't typically hide myself from the spiritual world. So where average humans may not know of me as much, people like you have heard of me. As you're probably aware, I work for Xcution as a Seven Guns member. A Rifle, in fact. Number One. I aim to take over the organization and need strong individuals such as yourself to help me. I don't plan on challenging Satsujun, because his disappearance is a mystery and he has not since turned up, though if the case calls for it, I will. What I want, though, is for you to help me attack the Squad that stole this person from me."

The blonde paused for a moment, relaxing her features that she had felt tense up. Her stress was likely obvious. This subject was a bit touchy for her. Though she had since undoubtedly moved on, the pain she felt was similar to the type of feeling someone would get after coming home and seeing their house destroyed due to a robbery. She felt violated, as if her own pride and sanity were ripped out of her heart and exposed, then torn down by each individual fiber until nothing remained. She had grown and healed since that day, but she was also determined. She never wanted to feel that way again. She wanted the entire world to know that she, along with all of Xcution, were beings to be feared. But, of course, she valued friendship. She would simply leave people alone unless they gave her a reason to come after them, and she had a few in mind.

In truth, she wasn't evil. She never could be. She loved too much and felt enough to have a hard time justifying ending the lives of innocents. If she didn't ever have to do that again, she'd be happy. But Shizuka was also an assassin. This was her job, and she actually genuinely enjoyed it. She coped through dehumanization and imagined the people she took out as nothing more than insects that she had to exterminate for the good of the world. That, and sometimes she was paid by outside sources. But as a whole, what she wanted to do was more than that. This wasn't some kind of sick Avengers dream where she became Thanos and wiped out half the world. Instead, this was more about asserting her organization's dominance. Frankly, she was tired of being pooped on.

So, at the end of the day, half of it was out of revenge. The other half was purely spite. If people continued to tell her she couldn't do something, she'd turn around and accomplish it just to prove them wrong. But if any of her goals are going to be met, she needs to complete the primary one, first and foremost. She needed to become CEO. Col could help her do that. Leading an assault on a single Squad would be enough to give them credit, but it wasn't just about the Shinigami. Again, innocent lives weren't going to end. Guilty ones were. Anyone associated with Taiho was guilty, so if that singled out her Squad, fine. If it meant all thirteen of them, then Shizuka would need all the help she could get.

"Plus, knowing you can open a gateway to the Seireitei is helpful. But you're not simply a tool for me to use. You're a person, and I value you as such. You would be granted just as much protection as I could give. The people who work for Xcution, who work with me, they're my family, Col. I do love and care for all of them. I want what's best for them. That's the absolute truth."

[Col Arana]

Col was a combination of amused and pleased to see Shizuka's excitement at his acceptance of their friendship. What a curious woman she was. Someone as powerful as her must have been through much, endured much, and yet she was as jubilant and bouncy as a one month old puppy. She seemed positively exuberant at the notion. Well. Then again. Col knew from experience that individuals like them rarely were able to speak to others as peers. A strange thing, to call someone who could die just be being near you on a bad day, a friend. So he supposed he could understand things to an extent. And yet at the same time it was surprising, given Shizuka's obvious charisma, that she didn't attract people wanting to be her friend in droves.

Shizuka was being a little more businesslike now, though he still acknowledged that charming nature of her, even as she was being straight with him. "Hmm. I've heard of Xcution and your work, but the ranking of your organization is something of an enigma to me. However. I would presume the Seven Guns serve as an analogy to Las Noches' Espada, of a sort? And that you are the highest ranked among them? Not that it surprises me, as your power is quite obvious to me." Col stated, and gave an amused smirk. "It would be quite disconcerting if every member of XCution was as powerful as you are, Shizuka." Col stated, dropping the formal "Miss" from his address, now that Shizuka seemed to consider him a friend. "In any case though, I quite admire your ambition. I will gladly assist you in seeing your vision fulfilled." The arrancar smiled, and that smile gained a wicked tilt to it as Shizuka added in the line about assisting in her attack on Soul Society. "While I have never penetrated so deep as the Seireitei itself, I can get you to the front gates at present. But I'll endeavor to change that soon, if it will assist you." He suggested. "I've encountered one particular Shinigami that I may be able to twist to my ends."

And ultimately, Col meant it when he said he'd help Shizuka achieve her long awaited vengance. Revenge was something he completely understood, feeling quite vengeful towards Las Noches, himself. He was definitely seeing the benefits of this arrangement with Shizuka. In addition to her friendship, which was something Col was surprised at and was still uncertain how to approach the subject, there was something to be said about the pros of being in the good graces of someone with goals like hers. And XCution was one of the few organizations that Col wouldn't mind working alongside anyways. Their interests very much aligned. This was an unexpected day, but a welcome one. One that finally broke through the nihilism and monotony of Col's day to day nomadic, cannibalistic lifestyle.

"Well, well. It really has been too long since anyone referred to me as a person." Col replied. Even within the Escudo, bonds of camaraderie had been thin. They had been co-workers. Nothing more. A group of powerful individuals with their own agendas; united under the vision of one stronger than they were. That was all. That was it. Shizuka was probably the first person in close to three centuries that had treated Col this way. The arrancar looked at Shizuka and stood up from his seat, walking to her side. "Well. If you do indeed mean what you say, it is quite a unique opportunity. But I would be remiss to allow your ambition to proceed without seeing how it ends for myself." Col extended his hand to Shizuka. "I do not see any issues with this arrangement as you've described it Shizuka. I look forward to working with you." He said, for once in his own life, being entirely honest about it.

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

Shizuka lightly took Col's hand, her cheeks turning ever-so-slightly rosy. She wasn't blushing so much as she was simply being betrayed by her own face. She appreciated the formal handshake and enjoyed the fact that his manners were so proper, and that was a bit evident with her growing facial redness. Really, it was mostly that she was thrilled to be able to have this kind of relationship with someone like Col. He was a special person and she wanted to do everything in her power to make sure he understood that fact. She meant him no harm. She likely never would. She had a sneaking suspicion that he'd actually get to her before she could ever make a proper comeback. That wouldn't be good.

"I'm excited, Col! I think you'll really enjoy this life with us. I don't want to intimidate you, but there actually is sort of like an official test you have to do. Normally I administer them, and all it is is basically me trying to measure your power."

She'd done this with everyone she picked up. In one way or another, she had to test them. Normally it was something pretty easy, and all she'd do was defend and avoid attacks. Sometimes the tests were more challenging, other times they weren't. She did her best to match it to the individual, but every now and then she'd be overcome completely. In this particular case, she actually had an idea in mind. She wasn't going to be test Col. Her Shadow would. Shizuka knew about Santa's goals and everything involved, how she wanted to stay a Hollow until she could one day resolve her own plan for revenge and ultimately become human. But Shizuka thought she was more valuable than that.

"I have a Hollow in my arsenal. Her name is Santa Ajora and she's actually one of my Shadows. She is going to test you, but I'll have her seek you out. I just need a little help. She doesn't want to become an Arrancar because she seems to immediately associate them with the Espada and Las Noches. I think she's special like you. Do you think you could convince her to at least think about another option? I fear she'll kill herself in the process. Literally. She wants to be normal. I think she already is."

The Fullbringer recalled her first meeting with Santa. She was grotesque and strange, seeing as her flesh melted away everywhere, but her human doll form was the absolute opposite. Santa seemed to jealous of the doll she created, or perhaps Shizuka was just over-analyzing, but it was what she noticed. Santa wanted that doll to be her real body rather than the half deer she actually was. Could she be blamed? Well, no. She couldn't. Shizuka wouldn't want to look at herself every day and be disgusted. But Shizuka also didn't think of Santa as all that gross. Like, yes, the flesh thing was unsettling. But the blonde had seen worse. She'd actually done worse to people before and the aftermath was truly more of a nightmare. But okay, if Santa wanted to be beautiful, fine. Shizuka would help. Just, why not become an Arrancar instead, right?

[Col Arana]

Col held Shizuka's hand firmly when she accepted his handshake. She was truly charismatic and charming, and it was astonishing to Col that she had accepted him so readily and easily. Col was not blind to his faults. The savage hollow that lived inside his sou:, ravenous and hungry for flesh and power alike. Shizuka had learned of that and simply shrugged it off as though it didn't matter at all. It was surprising-- no. More than surprising. She was probably the first person that had reacted as such. Even the most mild mannered or understanding Shinigami Col had ever encountered had always drawn the line at that juncture. Even if they were polite and apologetic about it, it always came down to a: "I can't let you do that anymore." Not only had Shizuka not done so, but she had, at least to some extent, encouraged it. True, she clearly intended to direct that hunger, but Col would cross that bridge when they came to it. At any rate, Col did consider Shizuka to be the rarest individual he had ever encountered and for perhaps once in his very long life as a hollow, and then as an arrancar, he actually truly bore her no ill will.

Shizuka gushed about Col enjoying his new life with XCution, and the arrancar gave an amused smirk. "I expect I will, though I imagine it would be too much to hope that everyone in XCution is as charming as you are, Shizuka." He replied. Shizuka mentioned a test to perform and Col nodded. "I imagine I can carry out any initiation you have in mind."[/color] At least with regards to what Col knew of XCution-- an organization of assassins, he expected he could do anything relevant to the organization. A quiet assassination? Combat testing. Espionage? Col possessed aptitude with all of these talents. Even a certain level of paperwork and organizational skills, dating all the way back to his human life, which he admittedly, barely remembered, but he imagined he could draw on it if need be. And if Shizuka's test involved measuring Col's power? Well that would be a simple test indeed. Shizuka was very powerful. Col suspected that, for once in his life, he was meeting with a human who was stronger than he was. And yet, he was still confident that in a clash he could more than pass any benchmark set for him. But it seemed.... that was not what was to happen today.

Shizuka mentioned a Hollow that served her. Santa Ajora... Col did not know the name. Perhaps she was not a notable hollow. Or perhaps, as a Shadow in XCution, that merely meant she did her job very well. Col had long since learned that in any organization not calling itself Soul Society or Las Noches, not to take a lack of familiarity with ones name or rank as an indication of weakness. If Shizuka considered Santa worthy, she was likely powerful and dangerous indeed. And it seemed it would be the Hollow that would administer the test. Col smiled in answer to Shizuka's proposition. "It's quite an unorthodox test. I like that Shizuka. Yes, of course I will speak with your Shadow. She will seek me out you say? I'd offer some clues but considering you managed to find me, I have no doubt she will be able to as well. And when she does, I will see if I cannot convince her to give up her ways as a Hollow and seek a more sustainable and civilized existence as an arrancar." He replied. Santa wanted to be normal. That is what Shizuka proposed. Col considered that long and hard. Yes... She's not the only one who wants that. Even now, Col could feel the vestiges of his hunger gnawing at his mind. Had he ever been sated? Had his hunger ever truly been sated since he had become a Hollow? Or, after three hundred years, had he simply acknowledged it as a fact of life, and learned to put it out of mind when it was not potent. It baffled Col's mind that anyone would willingly choose this fate. He expected his talk with Santa would be interesting indeed when he had the time for it. To be normal... To not have to battle the infernal hunger and animalistic instincts of a Hollow. Yes, Col could understand that very much, and was even beginning to look forward to this meeting with someone he had never met, and would normally have thought of as beneath him.

"Well, I'm sure if she works alongside you, she must be a rare individual as well. I look forward to meeting her." Col said to Shizuka. "And I hope I will have an opportunity to meet with you again soon. I imagine with an ambition like yours, you must be running yourself ragged. Be careful not to exhaust yourself." Col suggested in a playful tone. "I cannot imagine that you have none who depend upon you." [/font]

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

The fact that he was so willing to help gave Shizuka what felt like butterflies in her stomach. This feeling was almost foreign to her. She hadn't felt so excited about anything since... well, since Luke officially asked her out. She was so incredibly happy in that moment that she almost cried. Almost. She didn't actually cry. That would be entirely too dramatic. But Col being able to help her was something she very much looked forward to. That, and it would give him a chance to be exposed to the true power of this organization. Xcution wasn't just some underground group of assassins. They were serious forces.

And, in truth, Shizuka didn't expect Col to succeed. In her mind, he was already accepted the moment he shook her hand. But he doesn't know that. She wants Santa to know that there are other options available. Nothing had to be set in stone, and perhaps Col could help her realize that. His path to becoming an Arrancar was forced, he said, so he didn't get the opportunity that Santa may have. Hers didn't have to end in death or sorrow. It made the Fullbringer anxious. She considered Santa a value to her life and a true friend. Losing such a person would be painful and that was the last thing Shizuka wanted. If it was truly Santa's wish, then fine. But being supportive of that would be hard.

"Excellent! Col, listen. I really do appreciate you meeting me out here. You didn't have to come, but you felt that I was worth it to you. That, alone, is such an honor. You're incredible and I vow to you to help you feel like you are every day for the rest of your life, even if that means forever. That's what it means to be my friend. But make no mistake, of course! A deal's a deal. I still expect for you to give me your hand when I inevitably need it."

Fair parting words. She had a plan to assign Santa to a mission specifically created to help her seek out Col, and she'd likely mention that it was for some purpose like interrogation or something. She didn't want Santa to know that Col was already a part of Xcution. Col would be formally inducted once his time with Santa was over, regardless of whether or not he was willing to convince her to alter her ideas. Frankly, he was too special to let go. She wasn't going to miss this chance while she had it. But, then this would be it. Col would be given the test to challenge Santa, and that may result in a genuine fight. Shizuka just hoped neither of them would feel too bloodthirsty over this.