Synthetic Bonds [JT w/ Ailene]

[Ailene Haschiro]

As Ailene began to store away all of the tea that she had collected from her most recent venture into the World of the Living, there was a persistent nagging feeling in the back of her head. Shio had proved to be fascinating. A Mod Soul who declared themselves as a Hollow...her mention of Ailene's Resurrección phrase...and finally that potent spiritual pressure that she had now begun to express. Thankfully Shio had thinned it out more so she wouldn't damage the surroundings with her presence as much. Or at least that's what Ailene had hoped. She had to admit to herself that she had never been so on edge while walking through a Garganta with someone as with Shio. 

Ailene receded into her thoughts for a moment as she looked Shio. "She's certainly growing stronger...perhaps even stronger than I am right now without Resurrección and yet...she is like a child playing with fire. I noticed it a few times, but when she walked along the path that I had erected for us, it cracked. I wonder if she is truly aware of her own strength..." To Ailene this was all food for thought. She would have to be careful how she acted around Shio for now. For the next few minutes, she would continue to store away the packets of tea as she tried to get her mind off of the worry and doubts that she was having. Around the time that she finished, Shio would stop idling and began to walk to the balcony which Ailene took note of.

Watching the Mod Soul interact with the world was certainly different. Each step she took was as light as a feather and no longer created craters. As Ailene began to approach the balcony herself after retrieving her book from her satchel, Ailene watched Shio hop onto the railing, many times larger than her. Despite that her movements were so...elegant. In truth, Ailene was impressed. She seemed much stronger and had already learned how to take advantage of it in a way that did not result in tearing up the whole place. As Ailene finally came upon the balcony, she'd look out at the distant sand that surrounded the vastness of Las Noches. 

As she did so, she would hear Shio speak for a moment. "This is Las Noches... right? I've never seen the inside of the dome before, but there's no doubt that we are in Hueco Mundo right now. This reishi is quite unmistakable to me, yeah, I could never mistake it for something else." Ailene blinked for a moment. This was her first time in the dome? The Arrancar chuckled for a moment after. She was clearly aware of Hueco Mundo. Any self-proclaimed Hollow should be. Ailene began to think once more. "Mod Souls were created by Soul Society if I recall correctly. Terminated or cast into hiding after some time. Hmm. Shio...what's your story?" 

It was an inquiry that Ailene would make soon. For now, she'd reaffirm Shio. "Yes, this is Las Noches. More accurately, this is beneath the canopy of Las Noches." Ailene looked up for a moment. She took in the faux sunlight as they both stood beneath a beautiful and clear blue sky. "Lord Kouhai conjured this up some time ago. I do have to admit that while beautiful, I've heard it said that its merely an illusion created by Lord Kouhai. Personally, I prefer the natural moonlight above the canopy though I prefer the general atmosphere here more." She looks over her shoulder, towards the shelves and smiles. "Plenty of books to keep my mind off of things...brewing tea to calm the nerves...and the freedom to do as I please." 

Ailene would smile for a moment as she retreated back to the table where she stored her tea. Thee she turned on her water cooker and began to prepare two cups. Taking a few minutes to prepare the hot water, she'd tap her fingers on the table, chuckling somewhat. Ring. The Espada blinked and slowly raised the kettle, pouring it carefully into each cup. Pulling another drawer out, she'd take some organic mint and gingerly sprinkle it into each cup of tea. In another few minutes, the steaming cups of tea would be done, and Ailene would pick both up, her book nestled carefully between her waist and elbow. Hopefully Shio had not moved at this point as Ailene set a cup for Shio down onto the balcony, smiling.

Setting her book down along with her cup of tea after taking a sip, she hummed softly. Jasmine tea with a dash of mint. One of her favorites. Sighing for a moment, Ailene looked at Shio. "So Shio...now that we are on more amicable terms...I did have a few questions that have been on my mind. You are a guest and I feel strongly about how I treat guests. That being said, if you do not wish to answer then I will not force you." Ailene smiled for a moment, hoping to get some form of approval from the Mod Soul. If Shio did not grant it, then Ailene would not ask. She was a woman of her word. If Shio did give her confirmation, however, then Ailene would proceed.

"Well first, you claim to be a Hollow. I recognize that. After all, Hollows come in all shapes and sizes. Yet...your qualities define you as more of a Mod Soul. Your soul pill for instance. So Shio...how were you created? I know that Soul Society has a standing order to dispose of all Mod Souls. Are you in hiding?" Ailene knew that these questions would be sensitive, but she did give Shio the option of refusing to answer. Ailene paused for a moment, giving Shio a chance to ponder over whether to answer. After she refused or answered, Ailene would continue with a second question. "Another thing that was on my mind. Earlier, you said, "Spread and Contaminate, Ausbruch". Ailene placed emphasis on the release phrase. "Where did you hear that phrase?" 

[Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou]

Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou

---

I listened to the explanation Ailene gave me closely, even though it was difficult - my attention was split everywhere else. Was it always so difficult to focus upon just one thing as it was now? Hueco Mundo was a desolate place, but even here, I could detect numerous signs of life. Yet, I couldn't actually see anything. There were a few particulary strong presences here in either case, this much I was very certain of.

One of my ears glanced at an angle when Ailene set down some tea for me, I wasn't looking, I didn't even need to hear her to know that she was approaching me this time. As I gazed into the warm brew for a few moments longer.

It then dawned upon me that I might perhaps seem rude.
"Ah-! Thank you..."

Although, I could not partake in the taste of it. If I were to place the cup to my mouth and pour, I may be capable of doing so - but this body lacks the proper functions. That is to say, I might taste it, but I'd ruin this perfectly mended body that Ailene went out of her way to provide for me. All of the tea would just absorb into my cotton stuffing, euck... imagining having your whole body absorb water like a sponge; it becomes difficult to move, heavier, every step you take is accompanied by a 'squelch'. Not a very pleasant feeling.

At the very least, my thanks was not simply out of a courtesy; both tea and coffee have their own aromas, tea is more delicate whilst coffee is more robust. This tea that Ailene had brewed in particular had a fairly strong aromatic property to it, I could still enjoy it in this way. Just being in the presence of something warm and comforting was enough for me. Although, truthfully told, I do wish sometimes that I could eat and drink as others do.

...Oh dear, am I being too obvious - ahaha. I hope it doesn't show to Ailene. I've been staring at this cup of tea for quite a long time by now. Maybe I should tell her my thoughts, but at the same time, I don't want her to get the wrong idea and think I'm refusing her gesture. What should I do...

As Shio gazes into the cup presented to her, without really knowing, her spiritual pressure flares up in acute response to her own internal worries. Just enough that Ailene may be able to notice such an instability, but not Shio herself, who is far too distracted with weighing her manners towards Ailene, versus a thorough cleansing she'd have to perform on herself not long after partaking. Unusual for someone like her, who typically would always choose to forgo pleasantries. Even if that made her come across as brash, or rude, or sometimes unthoughtful or uncaring.

Her tail flickers side to side with uncertainty, before she is spoken to once again; "So Shio...now that we are on more amicable terms...I did have a few questions that have been on my mind. You are a guest and I feel strongly about how I treat guests. That being said, if you do not wish to answer then I will not force you." . As these words are received by her, immediately her ears perk up, and she turns her head up to face Ailene eye-to-eye.

"Is this about the tea?- Wait, no, nevermind. I for some reason sense that it is something different. Ask away..." Accompanied with somewhat of an awkward chuckle that I can't help but enunciate out loud, without really thinking, I invite myself into my own interrogation.

It started okay, but when Ailene got around to mentioning that cursed name of mine; I couldn't help but twinge on my smile. I couldn't exactly help or hide it, truthfully, I hated even hearing the term; but after everything that happened, after I entrusted my core to Ailene, there was no way that she could not have found out or had some kind of clue. Furthermore, perhaps I owe it to her after everything, to offer some kind of explanation.

Still, though...

"I'm a hollow! I wasn't lying, it's the truth. I don't know much of these 'Mod Souls', but I know of them, I do know that they share some uncanny similarities with me. That's just a coincidence though, a co-in-ci-dence!" With somewhat of a 'hmph' to put that bit to rest, she continues. Her tone turns sombre all of a sudden. "In my earliest memory, I was not born in Soul Society. When I was birthed into consciousness it was right here, when I awoke to the white dunes of Hueco Mundo. So yes, I must have been formed in the same way of any other hollow."

Her tone was bitter towards the end, and she spoke in a way that showed she was not finished; "Something must have went wrong, at that time. Everyone I've met insists that I don't sense like a hollow does. And, even I have to admit it, I don't." On display for perhaps the very first time was a self-awareness of her situation that might be shocking to Ailene. "I said that was my earliest memory, but in truth; there was something before that even. It wasn't exactly what one might call a 'memory' though, it's difficult to put into words... so I can't elaborate. Sorry."

"Also, I'm not in hiding. Is there a reason I should need to hide from Soul Society and their goons? All of them just wield basic old swords, and swing them around in their goofy traditional garments. Nothing special about them, but they act so high and mighty- hah!" - Dangerous, Ailene would be able to tell simply from the way Shio spoke of shinigami that she had never met one of particular rank or status, they did not register as a threat to her. Shio had certainly never met anyone of captain class, and from the way she spoke, not even a lieutenant or seated officer; she had been lucky thus far. "If any of them come after me, I'm certain I'd beat them up, especially now!"

Flicking her tail from side to side, rapidly, her ears all perked up and mighty. "I can feel it, my power is returning! Nue-hahaha!!! I'm not quite sure why, but I feel great~! That old man at the treasure-whatsit must've made some fine modifications indeed. Next time I see him, I shall spare him and his minion."

"Another thing that was on my mind. Earlier, you said, "Spread and Contaminate, Ausbruch".
Huh? I didn't say anything like that, did I?

As Ailene seems quite sure of herself, however, Shio is the very picture of confusion; she simply stares up at the arrancar with a profound curiousity for the next bit. "Where did you hear that phrase?" There is a moment of silence... a few dumbfounded tail flicks from the doll. If Ailene was paying attention to her expression, her mannerisms, then it would certainly appear she was truthfully clueless. Albeit, she was trying to think hard to form an answer.

"Sorry, I really don't know. It sounds familiar at least, but well... I don't have a release, I don't even own a zanpakuto. It sounds like such a phrase though, the thing arrancar say before powering up. I've seen it a few times... from some distance. My ability is quite unique amongst the hollows though, it's nothing like that - for sure." Believe me, Ailene, if it were, I'd be so happy! What I'd do just to have that extra form you guys do, it's so cool~ It's just like those transformations I've seen in all that human world whats-it entertainment. Ehehehe... oh-! I'm thinking off-pace again, uhm. How should I approach this topic exactly?

"Truthfully told, ever since you blasted a hole through me with that cero; it was an amazing cero by the way!-" There! There it is! I said it! "-I've felt somewhat strange. It could just be my powers returning, but there was that whole encounter I had whilst I was recuperating in my soul core. I'm not unconscious whilst I'm in that form, y'know? I was half-scared to death, achk-" Shio bit her tongue on that last bit.

"What I meant to say was, it went perfectly smoothly, just as I planned and not scared at all!"
An obvious half-truth to Ailene, spoken to preserve her own pride.

"That other side to you is quite the pain - honestly. And a vandal too! Do they have any idea how long it took me to clean up that mess?!" The doll jumped to her feet, put her fists on her hips, and pouted.

---

NOTES: ---

--- ---

[Ailene Haschiro]

"I'm a hollow! I wasn't lying, it's the truth. I don't know much of these 'Mod Souls', but I know of them, I do know that they share some uncanny similarities with me. That's just a coincidence though, a co-in-ci-dence!" This would be the first comment that Shio made to Ailene's string of questions. Ailene nodded but gave a mental sigh. In truth, she had not expected anything different. Sure, they had grown closer or at least that's what Ailene thought. Before she wrote it off, the Mod Soul continued. "In my earliest memory, I was not born in Soul Society. When I was birthed into consciousness it was right here, when I awoke to the white dunes of Hueco Mundo. So yes, I must have been formed in the same way of any other hollow."

The tone she spoke in was a new one. This entire time Shio had presented herself in a way that echoed pride. She truly was sensitive to dissent towards her origin and yet...she was opening up more. Her voice suggested that there was more so Ailene did not speak. "Something must have went wrong, at that time. Everyone I've met insists that I don't sense like a hollow does. And, even I have to admit it, I don't. I said that was my earliest memory, but in truth; there was something before that even. It wasn't exactly what one might call a 'memory' though, it's difficult to put into words... so I can't elaborate. Sorry." Ailene looked down at her, not with a look of anger or contempt. No. It was understanding. 

Shio then suddenly back into her usual self as she spoke of Soul Society in response to Ailene's question. "Also, I'm not in hiding. Is there a reason I should need to hide from Soul Society and their goons? All of them just wield basic old swords, and swing them around in their goofy traditional garments. Nothing special about them, but they act so high and mighty- hah!" Ailene chuckled briefly as she continued on a tangent about her strength returning to her and how she'd crush any "goon" of Soul Society that came across her. Ailene appreciated the gusto, yet she knew the strength of Soul Society Captains. Even their Vice Captains, when trained properly, could prove a threat. Ailene dearly hoped that Shio could back up that belief if she ever came across one of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. 

As they delved into the next topic, one of more concern to Ailene, the Espada could read Shio's expression rather easily and it spoke only of confusion. Ailene's head tilted with hers as Shio finally formulated an answer. "Sorry, I really don't know. It sounds familiar at least, but well... I don't have a release, I don't even own a zanpakuto. It sounds like such a phrase though, the thing arrancar say before powering up. I've seen it a few times... from some distance. My ability is quite unique amongst the hollows though, it's nothing like that - for sure." Ailene nodded for a moment. In truth, this entire conversation was surreal enough already without even bringing up how she knew about a secret that Ailene guarded so closely. Though it seemed that Shio had much more to say.

"Truthfully told, ever since you blasted a hole through me with that cero; it was an amazing cero by the way!-" In that moment, if Shio paid attention, she would be able to see the Arrancar blush. The compliment touched her even though Ailene knew that she had held back the Cero to a fraction of her full strength. "-I've felt somewhat strange. It could just be my powers returning, but there was that whole encounter I had whilst I was recuperating in my soul core. I'm not unconscious whilst I'm in that form, y'know? I was half-scared to death, achk-" The Mod Soul stopped short and quickly diverted her phrasing into something more desirable. "What I meant to say was, it went perfectly smoothly, just as I planned and not scared at all!"

The Arrancar chuckled yet again. Shio obviously took stock in what others thought of her. Ailene could relate in some ways. It's why she acted the way she did. Why she chose to live a life that stood in opposition to most other Espada. Hell, other Arrancar. As she thought about this though, she overheard Shio's last comment which made her freeze. "That other side to you is quite the pain - honestly. And a vandal too! Do they have any idea how long it took me to clean up that mess?!" As Shio jumped to her feet, Ailene blinked as her mind descended somewhere else. "My...other side? She can't mean...how did she...?" It slowly began to make sense. Her initial haziness. The mention of her Resurrección. It all seemed so obvious now. Somehow this Mod Soul had gotten into contact with her darker half. A beast that normally only dare come out to others when she gave herself to it. 

Ailene continued to blink and stare at Shio frozen. She'd not react to any interactions with the Mod Soul until about ten or so seconds passed. She shook her head for a moment and sighed. Her voice would be solemn. "I see. I am...just surprised. She can be...alot to handle. Even for me..." Ailene thought back to when the shadow formerly stood behind her when Shio and she fought. How she had tried to convince Ailene to give in to her base instincts. To act through her. Ailene had to admit that she hated it. She hated how even when unleashed her full strength using her Resurrección, she could not stay in control of herself. Something darker took root every time. 

Trying to change subjects, Ailene quickly tried to latch on to anything else she could talk about with her. Suddenly she thought about the earlier compliment. She nodded and tried to make conversation about it. "Your compliment from earlier honors me Shio, but...that Cero I used held back much of my strength." With that, Ailene pointed her finger at a dune of sand which lay about a mile away. Concentrating her reiatsu, a similar orb would form before her finger and stay there for a moment. As she discharged it, Shio would notice an immediate difference. The Cero used against her was far more focused. About the size of Ailene's fist. This would be much larger as a Cero about the size of a train erupted from the Espada's finger in a purple glow, racing towards the dune. As it hit, there would be a THUMP with a sudden eruption of sand that was far enough to not bother the pair at the balcony. Just the feeling of the Cero and its residual damage would leave it in a class of its own compared to the one Ailene used against Shio. "Though I can tell that you've grown much stronger in a short amount of time. I'm sure you could handle me far better now." A little flattery went a long way in Ailene's head.

With that, Ailene chuckled for a moment and presented her hand, palm face up. "Though I can do much more with Cero than just that." Concentrating her reiatsu once more, a small orb of the same color formed just above her palm. The orb began to take shape after a few moments. It started small and insignificant until it gained a jagged top and a purple gradient that grew darker the further it went to the center of the shape. Soon Ailene would hold a Cero above her palm that looked and even acted like a flame. Flickering softly though instead of a crackling, Shio would hear a soft hum that emanated from the Cero. Ailene winked at Shio as she did another trick.

As she turned down the Cero to about half, she began to rotate her wrist around somewhat. The flickering flame began to change. This would take all of Ailene's concentration and as such she did not speak. Its shape elongated and formed a body. Suddenly a head spring forth much like that of an animal. Pointed ears dotted its head as Ailene willed four legs to form. Finally, nine distinct tails sprung from the back of the Cero's body. The Cero would now match a Kitsune as it suddenly ran in sync with Ailene's hand motions, following the rotating wrist. The Espada smiled, keeping her hand still. As animated Cero suddenly stood still and peered at Shio, sitting down as it did. Ailene smiled brightly. Her little trick had worked after some time of perfecting how to use the Cero. She sighed for a moment and spoke. "Among the Espada, there is only one that could hope to match my skill with the Cero. Even then...I may be a little bit more creative than him." She continued smiling brightly, finally revealing her position to the Mod Soul as she tried to dazzle her with the little show of proficiency with Cero. 

[Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou]

Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou

---

Without at all taking note of how silent Ailene had fallen, the small doll continues; "Seriously!- How could they vandalize my spiritual space like that, I don't think they truly appreciate just how much effort it took to pick up all those purple-ribbon-thingies it left behind- hours! It took. Me. Hours! Okay, perhaps just one hour, maybe two. It's really hard to tell when you're in a place like that. To be honest... after some time, I just started collecting them, y'know? Two confetti-ribbons... seven confetti-ribbons... Uhm, six hundred and fourty eight confetti-ribbons. Once I was done, it created this huge mountainous pile! I just started... swimming in the things you know. In the end, it was actually kind of fun- and I!-"

Shio turns to Ailene part-way through her rambling, her shoulders drop a little as she notices the pensive look upon her face; which the doll responds with in kind with a slight tilt of her own head, she raises her voice a little. "...Ailene? Is everything okay?" After a the full ten seconds had ended, a deep silence settled upon the area as the doll awaited a response, one that was given quitely to lack of her own understanding.

"I see. I am...just surprised. She can be...alot to handle. Even for me..." Shio falls quiet in a similar manner to how Ailene did just moments prior, her fox ears twitch; then, her whole face lifts up into a comically large and exceptionally smug grin. "Ahhh~ So that's how it is~?" Accompanied by enthusiastic nodding, the self-proclaimed hollow folds her arms and hops back into a sitting position with her own two legs crossed. At this point, it was too late for Ailene to regret enabling her by using such phrasing. "Naturally, I went easy on the small fry. Can't be helped, I wouldn't want to harm a fragment of your soul - Ailene~" Shio shrugs in a very exaggerated manner. "Tell that one, next time it bothers you, to go shove a sock in its mouth- hah!" Her laugh, dismissive and full of tiny hubris.

In any case, Ailene doesn't seem to like talking about this... I should think of something to change the subject. Even right now, as I glance at her with only one partially-open eye, can I tell that she feels somewhat uncomfortable. Why is that though? Was I always this good at 'reading the room'?... I don't think so. It came accompanied by this massive headache that I'm experiencing right now, and this feeling in my spiritual pressure; talking is a good distraction from my migraine, but I can't get too distracted and let my spirit pressure slip like before either. Maybe I should ask Ailene about it? No, I couldn't. It would indeed be beneath me to inconvenience Ailene in such a manner.

"Your compliment from earlier honors me Shio, but...that Cero I used held back much of my strength."
...Huh?

Shio looks up at Ailene with her tiny arms still folded, her pupils somewhat wide and dilated; as though she had been slain in just one sentence, soul left her body and all. Mouth agape in a picturesque manner that spoke of both bewilderment and bafflement. It doesn't take much to snap her out of this, though, as the reiatsu of Ailene begins to coalesce around her outstretched arm. The light of life returns to her gaze as the doll focuses with keen, sparkling azure eyes. Every other feature upon her face remains locked in place, however; breath held in anticipation.

It feels different this time. When I'm this close, gazing into it, I can feel every spiritual particle. Before that violet glow even registered upon my eyes, I was able to sense the presence of it. That's strange... I was able to recognize it as a 'cero' immediately, and then-

AHHHHHHHHH~!!!

As the cero expands to the size of a freight train within a fraction of a second, erupting forward from the palm of the espada stood right beside her, the small doll is almost flung from her rail perch instantly. It is truly shocking to her, who experiences severe whiplash from the wind tunnel it leaves within its own wake. Shio grips onto the rail using her tiny doll mittens in a desperate bid for her posture, whilst her oscillating blue scarf threatens to drag her off it entirely. It is a graceless struggle, but one Shio just barely manages to come out on top of.

Still in shock from having her fight-or-flight reflexes abruptly reactivated, there is nothing but wide-eyed surprise as she is treated to the spectacle of watching an entire sand dune explode in front of her; albeit from a very safe distance. Even the sand within Hueco Mundo was filled with reishi, it was mesmerising to her new senses. Gradually over time, the surprise on her countenance melts into a blissful mix of happiness - and resignation. 'If only I could...' was the first thought that filled her mind, but it was not a jealous one, it was full of aspiration, adoration.

Cero was a signature technique of the hollows, arguably the most well-recognized one. Shio had a very unique disposition to it; the technique was immensely destructive, but also immensely beautiful to her. The low hum that it produced was fine music to her little fox ears, and there was something incredibly satisfying about watching something - a building or whatever inanimate object - get blasted to bits. It was just fun to her, almost childlike in nature. Furthermore, if she were also capable of it, then nobody would question her status as a hollow.

This was what she believed in, anyway; but Ailene was not finished yet. "Though I can do much more with Cero than just that." - she would declare to Shio, who at this point, was a willingly captive audience.

In breath-held anticipation the doll watches as Ailene coalesces another cero within her palm. At first, it appears normal, she seems somewhat disappointed; "I've already seen this one, Ailene-" Just as Shio is about to vocalise her dissatisfaction, however, the small ball of reiatsu begins to change shape. Contort and bend, as the doll watches on - eager. Such eagerness is represented without reservation as she leans forward, and her tail flickers back and forth.

Eventually, the ball of reiatsu takes the shape of a flickering ember within her hand; "Haha~ That's pretty neat." - along with her innocent laughter, her fascination is unwithheld. It may seem unusual to Ailene, at select moments... Shio was capable of being very mature in both her manners and way she behaved. Yet in this moment, she simply seemed like someone in their youth, enjoying a wonder they had not yet seen before. This perhaps bespoke, if nothing else, of her free-spirited nature. This was simply how Shio was actually; beneath all that pride of hers.

Without a doubt, this juxtaposition would become even more apparent in Ailene's next trick. When the shape of the mythical animal began to take shape, the azure globes of Shio that glittered like moonlight within the soft shade of the balcony went wide. Shio leapt to her feet almost immediately as the nine tails were formed. Without hesitation, she exclaimed "Honyopyāko! That's Honyopyāko!" with deep enthusiasm, even going so far as to point at the sculptured cero within the grasp of Ailene's palm. It was a joy to Shio, who chuckled softly as the reiatsu danced around her hand. One might think to themselves, 'what or who is Honyopyāko?', and Shio gushes profusely.

"I really loved that series! Honyopyāko, kitsune warrior~! I've heard that it's not very popular amongst human-world dwellers though... hmph! They've got bad taste, that's what I think. Who cares if the plot isn't stellar, I just love the characters. This one in particular, she has to be one of my favourites!". As the kitsune doll notices just how much she had raised her voice over this, she blushes; the first time Ailene would have ever seen her blush, in fact. Ailene speaks up, just in time for Shio to recover from her timid posturing; "Among the Espada, there is only one that could hope to match my skill with the Cero. Even then...I may be a little bit more creative than him.".

"N-Naturally! You would have to be the strongest. If you weren't - then there's absolute no way you could have bested me! You have to be the strongest, just like me...-" An incredulous and bashful pause washes over Shio as she appears to contemplate her next words carefully, stood upon the rail of the balcony, half-cloaked within the beaming light of Las Noches, tail swaying back and forth as she refuses to make eye contact. "-You've... impressed me. Really. No, that isn't just it- I. What I meant to say was..." Could Shio actually say it, was she even capable of putting her pride aside for just one moment? If Ailene had thought it were impossible before, then the next statement may come as a surprise to her. Lips almost trembling as she struggles and stumbles over her words, the doll simply comes out with it.

"I'm not sure why you've gone this far, Ailene. Most people don't even acknowledge me, and you've done so much more." Unsure quite how to follow up those words, there is yet another slight pause from her. It is one of extraordinary contemplation, it is easy to tell that she is struggling to even say this much. "I'll respect you for that. Thank you." Then, in a smooth transition from bashful to playful, Shio hops to her feet - puffs out her chest - and declares with gusto; "So as your friend, it's now my turn! I'll show you my ability."

Was Shio being serious? It may perhaps be difficult for Ailene to tell in the spark of the moment, but as the small doll approached just a little bit closer, it became easily apparent. Whatever she was planning on doing, she was deadly sincere about it. Then, a question might pop into the mind of anyone at this point. Just what exactly was her ability, in the first place? All Shio had done so far was exert her spiritual pressure, and this was the case, even now. It was fluctuating, and had been this whole time. Was it really safe for her to use her ability like this, what kind of ability was it in the first place. Furthermore, why did she not decide to use it until now?

"Trust me, Ailene." I spoke softly, with taking a single step even closer. To this end I extended my right arm out to her, this technique of mine would not work otherwise. I needed her to trust me, to not react in a way where she perceives me as hostile - or a threat. Can you trust me, Ailene?

At this point, assuming Ailene had not chosen to take a step back, the mod soul would smile. It was a deeply compassionate and empathetic smile, not like any of the expressions she had made prior. Within seconds, Ailene would feel the reiatsu of Shio reach out from her arm. It felt soothing and warm to the touch, in stark contrast to how unstable and violent it was before; now on display, it was the complete opposite. As though being wrapped within a soft blanket, it encompasses her, if she should allow it. Meanwhile, Shio has a face incredibly stern and focused. Whatever she was doing, it appeared to tax her greatly. "Try not to move, this might pinch a little."

Her forewarning perhaps a little late, as all of a sudden, the reiatsu now encompassing them both lashes out. It does not reach any further than the balcony they stand on, and yet ripples of energy can be felt coursing through the entire area. Not shockwaves, ripples; light disturbances on water, or in this case, the very reishi within the air itself. It is accompanied by a shared sense discomfort to Ailene; who, at this moment, might notice Shio sharing this selfsame discomfort as well.

Weave as one, welcome my presence into your midst and drink deep of my reiatsu. Twist it into a spire of vitality, and show them our true - complete - form.

These are the words which come most naturally to me. You might feel it too, Ailene. For you, I suppose it would be those words I've already once spoken. Then, it's only fair that I share my own. Through the towering spire of reiatsu, Shio speaks to her - yet her lips do not move. Scintillating, shimmering, blazing with life do her azure globes ignite. Within moments does the reiatsu dissipate.

"I call it - Hollow Synthesis."

As soon as those words ring clear through Ailene's head, does Shio vanish. It is as though she disappears into nothing; up until moments later, where one might be given time to notice that her presence had not yet faded. As a matter of fact, to Ailene specifically, Shio would feel so close - it was practically as though she were right beside her still.

"Yoh~ Everything appears to be a success, no need to panic on my behalf." The familiar voice would once again echo through Ailene's mind - "What do you think? Feel a little better? I replenshed your reiatsu from the cero you used earlier, do you feel any discomfort still? If so, do let me know, I'm not quite yet accustomed to this."

---

NOTES: ---

--- ---

[Ailene Haschiro]

Having fashioned a kitsune out of a Cero seemed to have beyond excited. It awoke a whole different side in the Mod Soul as she began speaking of a show and a character that she enjoyed. A rosy tint began to assault the doll's cheeks. Truly a quality that Ailene did not even expect from the Mod Soul. Not just because she was in a faux doll body, but also because from her personality to date, Ailene did not envision Shio becoming flustered. Nonetheless...it was a welcome sight. Though Ailene was expecting a change as she revealed that she was one of the Espada. Yet it was not shock that Shio had shown. In fact, her next comment utterly disarmed Ailene.  

"N-Naturally! You would have to be the strongest. If you weren't - then there's absolute no way you could have bested me! You have to be the strongest, just like me...-" This time it was Ailene's turn to blush. The smile had faded and was replaced not with stoicism, but with a look of shock. Flattery. It was an easy way for Ailene to be swayed and Shio was absolutely adorable about it. Not making eye contact and her tail swinging from side to side, Shio was an utter gem. To a gentler soul like Ailene, Shio was the very picture of cuteness though she did not want to pet her again. Not yet at least. Perhaps when a further layer of trust had arisen between them. 

There was still the illusion that Ailene was debating to break. Shio was sure of herself. Sure, of her own ability. Unfortunately, her soul was riddled with pride and arrogance. She was much stronger now. Stronger than Ailene while sealed. The Arrancar could not deny that. Yet it seemed that she greatly overestimated her own abilities. The Mod Soul believed Ailene to be the Primera Espada. At least that's what Ailene gathered from her prior comment. Could she break the illusion? Should she? That Shio had lost to the Septima Espada? For now, Ailene would have little chance to do so as Shio continued. "-You've... impressed me. Really. No, that isn't just it- I. What I meant to say was..." Ailene nodded and would give her the time to think it through. "I'm not sure why you've gone this far, Ailene. Most people don't even acknowledge me, and you've done so much more."

Ailene blinked as she continued to look shocked, eyes wide. After a few moments she would smile at the Mod Soul who seemed to open up to her. "I'll respect you for that. Thank you." This along was a moment she would cherish, but the next words from Shio. Well...those would make her heart melt. "So as your friend, it's now my turn! I'll show you my ability." For Ailene, the world stood still for a moment. Everything came to a grinding halt as Shio referred to her as a friend. This was quite the moment for Ailene. An Arrancar who prided herself more in her social connections that individual strength. As Shio approached, Ailene's world would begin moving again and she'd take notice of the figure. 

"Trust me, Ailene." Ailene blinked and stood solemnly as her mind raced. Shio was asking for her trust. This prideful Mod Soul was asking, not demanding. This alone was enough to immediately make Ailene not back away. Besides this, she knew that she was stronger in Resurrección and could easily call upon it if needed though she did not expect Shio to try anything hostile. Ailene would not move as the Mod Soul approached closer and came into contact with Ailene. Then the Arrancar saw it. A smile. One of joy and trust, completely unlike the previous emotions up until a few minutes ago that Shio had been displaying. It seemed that something had really changed within the Mod Soul. Suddenly, the reiatsu from Shio began to shroud them. 

Shio's reiatsu felt quite different from what the Arrancar had been feeling thus far. It was gentle and soothing. Warm even much like her own. Ailene closed her eyes for a moment. As she did, however, the soothing feeling soon turned to the feeling of daggers being moved into her. Continuing to keep her eyes closed, but feeling obviously discomforted, Ailene gritted her teeth and held onto the balcony. Her high tolerance for pain, built up over centuries of being assaulted, made it so she did not scream at the discomfort or even grunt. Showing physical discomfort in her facial expression was more than enough in the given scenario. Unfortunately, Shio's warning came far too late. "Try not to move, this might pinch a little." Ailene chuckled through grit teeth. 

Suddenly, Ailene felt some words resonate in her mind. They were blurry and strange at first, but soon began to clear up. She read them internally. "Weave as one, welcome my presence into your midst and drink deep of my reiatsu. Twist it into a spire of vitality, and show them our true - complete - form." Still keeping her eyes closed, she listened to Shio. These are the words which come most naturally to me. You might feel it too, Ailene. For you, I suppose it would be those words I've already once spoken. Then, it's only fair that I share my own. Ailene nodded, simply feeling the presence of Shio before her before she heard another set of word in her head again, though this time was Shio's voice. "I call it - Hollow Synthesis."

Just as Ailene heard those words, so did the presence of Shio before her vanish. Ailene opened her eyes and no longer saw the Mod Soul. She began to look around, twisting her head to looked for her. Even though she could not see her, Ailene felt Shio's spirit. In fact, it felt closer than ever before. Then she heard a voice again in her head, jumping backwards in shock. "Yoh~ Everything appears to be a success, no need to panic on my behalf." Ailene blinked as she continued to listen. "What do you think? Feel a little better? I replenshed your reiatsu from the cero you used earlier, do you feel any discomfort still? If so, do let me know, I'm not quite yet accustomed to this." Despite still being in a bit of shock, it was true what Shio said. Ailene felt a surge of reiatsu wash over her, rejuvenating her. Despite this, Ailene quickly though about the word she heard. "Hollow Synthesis...Fascinating..." As Ailene thought this, Shio would likely be able to hear it as well.

It would not take particularly long for Ailene to break it down. To understand what was going on. She spoke, this time as if talking to herself. "You are truly full of surprises Shio and impressive as well. I am certainly honored to be deemed a friend by you..." Ailene smiled and stepping forth, she would create a stable air-ground beneath her feet, climbing it like stairs to the railing of the balcony. She'd dangle her feet just over it, kicking them gently as she felt a new sensation come over her. Shio's strong sense of pride flowed through her. Not only that, but it was as though she understood Shio better. Far better than ever before. Ailene simply sighed for a moment.

"Shio...you believe me to be the strongest Espada. You flatter me deeply and yet...having earned your trust, I would be disappointed with myself if I lied to you. I am the Septima Espada, the seventh strongest by rank. Using my Resurrección, I am more comparable, but there are those above me that currently are out of my reach. The Tercera Espada namely, Arcadus, is formidable. Though...even as the Seventh I seek to rise to the challenge. To advance myself. To stand among the upper echelons of the Espada. I'm sure that you can sense my very spirit where you are. Know that I am telling the truth when I say that I am happy to consider you a friend..." This may have been a wake-up-call to Shio and Ailene hated to put her through that after everything that the Mod Soul had done up to this point, but she needed to get something through to her. Humility. Even to a prideful soul there would be room for that...right? Right?

[Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou]

Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou

---

"Hollow Synthesis...Fascinating..." In response to Ailene's mental note that had likely been intended to be shared to nobody; a thought within herself. A slight ring of laughter, haughty but stifled, is heard through her mind shortly afterwards. "Hehe~ I knew you'd be impressed." Shio responds in kind, perhaps in surprise to the espada, who now had to tolerate the antics of her without any reprieve; at least, so long as Ailene did not make any attempt to conceal her surface thoughts. Yes, their essences were now joint together in a symbiotic sense now.

This included more than just surface thoughts, but also the vague emotions of one another also. Furthermore, Shio - who had replenished the reiatsu of Ailene just moments prior - felt her own errant reiatsu abruptly reigned under control under the influence of the Espada. It were as though, all of a sudden, all that excess energy were given a place to rest in; whereas beforehand, it was like a glass of water filled over its tipping point. It made her sigh in relief, it was much less taxing to control this way.

"You are truly full of surprises Shio and impressive as well. I am certainly honored to be deemed a friend by you..." Upon speaking those words aloud, Ailene would notice a smile beaming from Shio in a sense; not actually able to see her, simply the emotion is received. "Of course!" - Unwithheld, that pride of hers coursing through the reiatsu of the pair. To Shio, it comes naturally as breathing. It might be overbearing for Ailene, however.

This pride might be the foremost thing that motivates her; and Ailene for that matter, to step onto the railing of the balcony. It was a slight action, but one the Espada may not have taken were it not for this emotion. Naunces like this was also, in a sense, a part of her ability. Granting others confidence, sharing in what pains they might be suffering. This truly went beyond simply just providing another with spiritual energy, and Ailene would doubtless be quick on this uptake. The founding principle behind the ability of Shio was give and receive; it was not take, not 'give' on its own. It was an equivilent exchange. For this reason, the boundaries of each individual becomes nothing but a blur.

Whilst coming to understand this a little bit better; Ailene might be met with a shock, or at the very least, a revelation. It does not come immediately, but gradually over the time she makes her own revelation to Shio; who has not yet spoken a word throughout all of it. Yes, that was exactly the strange part. All of those words spoken, and nothing, like white noise. Eerie, in fact, knowing the mod soul and their disposition for appearing so outwardly energetic.

Was she simply thinking it through, or was there something more sinister behind that silence? Was Shio attempting to hide a truth from Ailene? Ironic, as the Espada presented a truth of her own simultaneously. "I see, so you're the seventh..." - another pause, her tone of voice that rang through Ailene's mind was pensive, it was being considered. This reality presented to her was being considered, at least, in some fashion.

"Eh~ You're seventh- eight- fourth- first. It's just a rank, personally; I don't care." As the sentence rang clear through the mind, however, the emotion that Shio had been trying to conceal becomes apparent. It was just one that the doll had never made apparent to her companion even once, even carefully considered within the tone of her telepathy to remain hidden, one might never have guessed how Shio felt until it was thrown right out in the open like this. It came rushing into Ailene like a flood. Like a snake, it coiled around the Espada, tightened its grip to the point she could feel her chest seize up; such did it feel to take on such a burden so abruptly, perfectly clear in its occupancy, as it forced its way in, like a stake driven through her heart. What was her pride, to her?

Self-loathing, a deep, chaotic confluence of it; a hatred for oneself that burned so savagely, it absolved all and made it worthless. To be stung with this thorn, if only for the moment that it was, spread a venom so toxic that it could melt compassion. Breed violence, and shatter ones hope. Yet upon this path existed Shio, one so tiny and frail; fragile, who had been broken an incalculable number of times. 'Failure' was something she had not just learned, it was something that she expected of herself. How could Ailene have not noticed, was Shio some kind of master of deception?

Hardly, the answer was obvious; it was her coping mechanism.
'I am the strongest', 'I am an Espada', 'I am a Hollow'
'I was not discarded.'
Told so many times to herself, it had become her reality.

Shio, for truthfully spoken, was delusional - she had to be. If she were not, then the energetic, full-of-herself, spry character that Ailene had come to befriend would not exist. Such a hypothetical husk of a person would be incapable of anything; weighed down by the pressure Ailene now felt herself, bedridden, or perhaps... dead. Either by their own hand or otherwise. Did Ailene really wish to confront something, so important, this necessary for her? Would doing such a thing actually help Shio? It would not. The truth was, attempting to take this pride from her would remain tantamount to murder; it would kill her. Furthermore, only for the self-satisfaction of teaching her - 'humility'.

All of the Espada had something like this, so Ailene might perhaps be able to relate to how futile a struggle this was. An aspect of death, each of the Espada represented one. For Ailene, this was 'Pestilence' - the rot. To Shio, who had no room left in her heart to say otherwise... 'Pride'. If Shio were truthfully a member of the Espada, then the aspect of death most closest to her would be 'Pride' - without room for doubt.

"Sorry-!" The familiar sound of the kitsune dolls' voice would reach out to Ailene. "I must have let my reiatsu slip too far in one direction - my direction. You are okay, aren't you? Tsk, that's my bad, I'm still trying to get the hang of this." Much perhaps to her comfort, the feeling subsides, Ailene would be able to breath normally again. However, whether the experience had made its mark on her or not; Shio seemed to continue talking, oblivious.

"I'd like to ask you a favor... Ailene." Shio seemed to be in the habit of 'asking' now, instead of 'demanding'. This change Ailene would have noticed already, even before the doll announced her respect for her in words. "Well-... I'd like to stay here if possible." Moments of silence would proceed such an ask. Moments in which, the self-proclaimed hollow would hesitate. Ailene might sense a little of her panic. "I'd like to wander around the place for a bit, I've never been in the dome... r-really, not to seem like a tourist or anything! I just like it here..." Her voice sounds earnest.

"So I'd just like to stay awhile longer, promise I'll - try - not to make a mess!"

---

NOTES: ---

--- ---

[Ailene Haschiro]

As Ailene gave her little spiel to Shio who was at this point merged with her very spirit, The Espada was not sure what to expect. She had proven herself to greatly value strength in all of its various forms. Ailene had a power buried deep within her sword that threatened even Arcadus when they fought and yet the Septima Espada resented that part of herself. It played into every aspect of being a Hollow that she despised. That she hated to her very core. She knew that her other half, her darker half, sought to consume and destroy. It was conniving, vicious and sadistic. A model Hollow in the eyes of most except for Ailene. She wanted to show the world that she was different. Could a gentle spirit like herself and a prideful soul like Shio truly get along? Only time would tell, but Ailene certainly hoped so. 

After her explanation of her position, Ailene heard the voice of Shio within her. The initial response was...surprisingly calm. "I see, so you're the seventh..." It was truly surprising to the Espada. To add to it, she heard Shio again. "Eh~ You're seventh- eight- fourth- first. It's just a rank, personally; I don't care." This was surprising, even to someone as analytical as Ailene. She smiled somewhat at this development as she gently kicked her legs back and forth. All was fine...that was until Ailene felt an emotion bubble. Being so closely tied to Shio at the moment had its advantages. She could feel the emotions that the Mod Soul experienced. The warmth of her reiatsu intermingling with her own was soothing. Though both would certainly prove to have disadvantages as well. 

In mere moments, Ailene felt the feeling grow. It felt like pride. A soothing feeling of confidence that soon grew in strength. The feeling of warmth would become hot. Then it became searing as though she were taken over by a vicious fever. Her heart pounded, her vision became blurry, and her head felt like it'd explode. She felt like she was burning up. She swayed for a moment, the discomfort setting in. Pride began to boil over, and in that moment, the discomfort stopped. It would be pure bliss for Ailene in that moment. The sweet release from the discomfort that did not just assault her physically. It assaulted her very spirit as Shio was merged with her. The feeling would not stop there. It would change into something far worse.

Ailene felt it clear as day. The burning in her stomach soon turned to a cold. A cold that creeped through every part of her body. The feeling of shame assaulted her thoughts. Self-loathing dug its way into her mind, driving itself into her brain like a splinter. It was far removed from the soothing reiatsu before. As Ailene tried to move, she found herself frozen. It was almost as though she could see tendrils of reiatsu form around her. They coiled around her like a snake, immobilizing her. The cold continued to creep through her body, leaving her miserable. It was unlike anything she had ever felt. The shame and doubt that Shio felt crushed her underneath. In that moment, Ailene heard a voice. Shio's voice once more. 'I am the strongest', 'I am an Espada', 'I am a Hollow' 'I was not discarded.' Ailene merely whimpered in response. 

It was then that Ailene felt a new feeling. One she had not felt in a long time. Misery. Disgust in herself. Hopelessness. It all piled up as Ailene could not help, but cry in that moment. Tears ran down her eyes, drenching her cheeks and leaving her an emotional mess. She looked down at the dunes. The feeling was becoming overwhelming. Almost enough to leave her throwing herself off of the balcony. To simply barrel against the sand and cease to exist. It was horrifying to her. That Shio had to contend with these feelings of doubt. She had to be resilient. Yet another time Shio's voice rang in Ailene's head who at this point was as silent as a mouse besides the occasional sobs that came from her. "Sorry-!" Ailene blinked for a moment as Shio continued. "I must have let my reiatsu slip too far in one direction - my direction. You are okay, aren't you? Tsk, that's my bad, I'm still trying to get the hang of this." 

The Espada gasped for a moment upon which the reiatsu began to fade away. It would no longer feel as though she was being choked. Her eyes were still drenched which Shio would undoubtedly be able to tell. Something had disturbed her normally resilient calm spirit. She'd gently wipe her tears away as she composed herself, speaking in a slightly broken voice. "Y..yeah. I'm doing just fine. Thank you for your concern..." Ailene was not sure how long it'd take her to recover from this ordeal, but one this was for certain. It was not a moment she would forget so easily. For as much as Ailene tried to hide it, Shio would likely feel an emotion arise from the Espada. It could only be described as sadness. Sadness for Shio not out of pity, but out of empathy and compassion. She felt with the Mod Soul. There were times when she questioned whether she was more than a combination of two souls melded together. Whether she was truly her own person. Without proper background or context, these feelings about her questioning would not make sense, but the empathy and compassion mixed together with her melancholy could be easily felt and likely interpreted. 

Ailene was calming herself down as she heard Shio once more. "I'd like to ask you a favor... Ailene." The Espada blinked. The Mod Soul had grown rather polite over there time together now. Ailene merely nodded her head and spoke calmly as she usually did. "Okay. Ask away." There was a typical joy to be found in her voice though it seemed clouded by other emotions. "Well-... I'd like to stay here if possible." Another blink from Ailene. Was Shio really asking to stay with her for now? Sadness would soon be replaced with curiosity. That curiosity would then become joy as she heard the Mod Soul once more. "I'd like to wander around the place for a bit, I've never been in the dome... r-really, not to seem like a tourist or anything! I just like it here..." There was a wide smile on her face glowed brightly. 

"So I'd just like to stay awhile longer, promise I'll - try - not to make a mess!" Ailene frantically shook her head to put the Mod Soul at ease. She spoke, this time with less of a calm and more of a cheery grin. "Well..I am deeply honored by your request. I will gladly host you if you'd like! It does get boring with the other Espada sometimes and...it'd be nice to share the space with a kindred spirit for some time." Ailene smiled and continued. "Thank you for your promise to not make a mess! Anything I've collected over the centuries will be at your fingertips. I have plenty of reading material and many historical treasures...and of course my company and tea brewed by me personally." She giggled softly and then finished off with a small comment. "But yeah...y..you are more than welcome to stay as long as you wish..." 

[Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou]

Shio "Mod Soul" Kyrou

---

This lament that Ailene felt in response to being bombarded with the emotions of Shio did not go unnoticed within its entirety; the quasi-hollow tilted her head, within a metaphorical sense, as the reason she felt sad went over her own understanding. As the Espada would weep for her, the doll did not even comprehend the reason for it, she did not know that she was being wept for - only that her newly befriended arrancar was upset for some reason. A reason that she did not know. It almost made her want to ask, but for some reason, she felt it were better not to.

Instead, it only motivated her further to go ahead and ask. To change the subject from whatever was upsetting Ailene, and hopefully put her mind at ease. So she did, and the Septima Espada accepted her request. Likewise, in the moments proceeding, Ailene would not only feel her own joy from this - but also the joy from Shio. It was bright and warm, just as it had been before; it may leave Ailene with some perplexity, with the question of how such joy could stem from the same tree as what she had felt earlier.

"Thank you for your promise to not make a mess! Anything I've collected over the centuries will be at your fingertips. I have plenty of reading material and many historical treasures...and of course my company and tea brewed by me personally." Ahahaha...~ Should I mention that I cant drink the tea? Uhm, no, not right now.

I've never conversed with someone this casually before. It's a new feeling, one I am not used to - either. That being said, it's not an unwelcome one. Yeah, it's warm. Right now, I can feel the canopy of Las Noches, coalescing beams of light unto us. This radiant sunshine won't last forever, but at the very least, we can enjoy it while it does.

This beautiful, lukewarm feeling of brilliance; just like so long ago... I could bask in its embrace forever. Daylight does not even shine like a candle by comparison, this feeling that we all sought after. It's different for everybody. Very much like the phosphorescence of thousands of glittering lights, they scatter like dandelion seeds, one at a time, under the ever watchful gaze of the umbral moon; it shines down upon those lights and knows. Such joys are fleeting in the dark, but they will always sprout new ones. When they do, will I still be around to witness? I hope so.

"But yeah...y..you are more than welcome to stay as long as you wish..." Today marks the one-hundred and twenty-seventh year since I regained my consciousness, how time seems to blend together in the absence of events. I don't remember what I was doing on those other days. But this one was at least a bit different, I'll be sure to remember it.

In a sudden display of fluidity, the quasi-hollow emerges from her ability. At first she flows like water, her essence of black, azure and white. It twists from Ailene's severed chain of fate, forming up to her right shoulder, where the energy blends into the shape of the doll - now befriended. As the transformation subsides, so does the connection; yet, they both would still share in the same feeling. That feeling they had just moments prior had not faded just yet.

Time passed between the two in silence; Shio was simply admiring the canopy. Her reiatsu was different, it was stronger, and yawned like a proud lion as she watched the clouds in peace. Such a tranquil expression of bliss that this small doll orchestrated was a new one - something she did not often display in front of just anyone. This was new to Ailene, as it also was to her companion, but she did not mind. Within flickering wisps of reiatsu does Shio smile.

"Yeah. Let's mark today as one of new experiences - for both of us."
Her failing voice is both solemn, yet full of joy.

Not even moments after does her grip around Ailene's shoulder fall loose, at the same time those azure eyes fade. Her spiritual pressure is put to rest, as the proud soul drifts into a state of deep slumber.

---

NOTES: 50% Bonus from Social, The Incident

--- ---

[Ailene Haschiro]

After speaking and just as she approved Shio's request to stay with her, Ailene felt a sudden elation. More than that. It was a joy that rushed through her though it seemed to be her own intermingled with another. It was like she was supercharged with it in that moment. She had to admit that it felt good. Soothing just as before the cascade of negative emotions assaulted her. Shio had certainly had her moments, but she had shown impressive growth. Not just in power, but she seemed more mature. More aware of herself. Despite that, Ailene felt that she would need to keep a close eye on the Mod Soul. After all, she seemed to have the personality type that would clash with others like Arcadus. 

Suddenly Ailene felt a change in her own spirit. Something was detaching. Rising from within her. It rose from the pit of her stomach up to her chest. As it moved, Ailene felt the warmth that followed. Then it moved to her shoulder and soon she'd feel it emerge. She'd look over her shoulder as tendrils of spiritual pressure began to coalesce. It would not take long as Ailene felt a light pressure built on her shoulder. Soon they would form, and Ailene would find herself carrying Shio, now in her doll body, on her shoulder. From a glance Ailene could tell much. She looked content yet also exhausted. More than that, while the presence inside her spirit had left, Ailene still felt connected to Shio. It was as if a tether still kept them bound even if it was for a minute longer. 

Ailene noticed Shio's eyes lazily rise to watch the clouds produced by the sky fashioned by Lord Kouhai. The Espada could not help, but giggle as she looked up too. She had to admit that she had never really considered cloud watching before. She knew that the sky underneath the canopy of Las Noches was fake after all. It was only natural to assume that there was some pattern that could eventually be noticed in the cloud formations which would perhaps break her enjoyment and yet...it was soothing. Not just to try something new, but to share the moment with someone she had built a level of trust with. After all, Shio had shown remarkable respect to Ailene. 

After a minute or so of watching the clouds, as the feeling between her and Shio began to fade, the Espada took note of a particular comment made by the Mod Soul. "Yeah. Let's mark today as one of new experiences - for both of us." Looking over her shoulder, still kicking her feet in the air as if she was a young child, Ailene would simply smile at Shio and nod. No words were necessary at this point. Soon Ailene would feel the grip along her shoulder loosen. She'd look over once more and the azure of Shio's eyes faded. The Espada merely tilted her head as the Mod Soul began to gently slide off of her shoulder without any appropriate grip. Whipping her hand to her back at a rather quick pace to catch Shio, Ailene would secure her hand, gingerly grabbing her doll-like hand as to not wake her up. The Espada sighed for a moment and chuckled, whipping her feet about and finding herself on more solid ground. 

As she made her way inside, Ailene would walk into her private room at a leisure pace. She'd hold Shio in the crook of her arms as to make sure that she did not fall. Ailene's private room stood in stark contrast to the much more public area of her Espada quarters. While the larger of two was a massive study hall with bookshelves dozens of meters tall and countless artifacts giving it the appearance of a museum of sorts, Ailene's own private sanctum was much humbler. Resembling a house that could be found in the early 13th Century in size, it would have much more of a feeling of hearth. Having a bed, countless shelves and a fireplace, it was more than enough for the Septima Espada.

With a rather gentle maneuver, she'd set Shio down onto desk. As countless books, scrolls and other reading material along with an ink and quill dotted the desk, Ailene rested Shio next to a perfectly stacked tower of four books. Using a pair of scissors, she'd cut a thin slice of parchment papers, draping it over Shio's body as a makeshift cover. She was going to try and make it as comfortable for the Mod Soul as possible if she was to host her. After doing so, Ailene walked over to the fireplace and using a match, lit a fire to fill the smaller room with warmth. Returning to her desk, watching as Shio slept for a moment, the Espada counted down along the built-in cabinets, slowly sliding one out. From there she'd pick up a book. already marked with a bookmark, and crack it open as she prepared to get some reading in. As she'd read, she'd reflect on all that she had experienced today, the good and the bad, while smiling at Shio and then returning her eyes to the book.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Shio Kyrou - Acquaintance}

The Incident - 40%

[Deleted]

I counted 268 paragraphs, so normally that'd be 1,340 TP.

BUT.

Shio, because you've got a 50% Social bonus, you're looking at 2,010 TP total.

Ailene, because you've got a 40% Social bonus, you're looking at 1876 TP total, rounded down to 1875.

Great job you two!!!