But First Coffee [Social]

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

She had to keep herself from laughing at the shop keeper for the next several minutes that followed until she finally purchased the new sandals for Marik. With an amused smile, Shizuka offered them to Marik and he seemed to be completely fine with it. It didn't take him long before he was eyeing other vendors, purchasing some sunscreen with entirely too much money, making Shizuka sweat nervously. He just handed this random guy a wad of cash that could have easily equated to his house payment for the month, if not longer, and she almost said something about it but decided to keep her mouth shut. Marik could do what he wanted with his money.

The man's utter casualness around Shizuka made her snort when he grabbed the sunscreen he'd just purchased, making her understand that he'd just overpaid by a few hundred for that thing. But once Marik stripped, Shizuka blushed and briefly considered looking away to give him his privacy, only to totally not do that and instead watch him. He'd gotten virtually everywhere covered in a layer of sunscreen except for his back, so the blonde snagged the bottle from Marik, dumped a bit of lotion onto her hand, and gently massaged it into his back. She was a bit generous with her movements, working his muscles as much as she could without it being too much.

"Here, I don't mind helping you out a bit. I totally understand wanting to avoid the sun, too."

He was more muscular than she realized even just by looking at him. Everything was well-toned, which made sense. She hadn't met a single unattractive person who was also spiritually aware. It seemed to come with the territory, and she guessed everyone who was like them was just blessed that way. But as Marik brought up comments about a job and what he did, Shizuka paused for a second. He immediately apologized, but it's not like she minded him asking. She just didn't know the best way to answer without sounding... well, crazy. Though it was clear they both had abilities beyond normal humans, she didn't know what his whole deal was yet.

"I work in extermination!" Believable enough, and not technically a lie. "Actually, I run a company. It's a bit modest. I don't normally advertise to people."

Shizuka smiled and watched as Marik tried on some clothes and swim suits, finally landing on a green pair that looked very perfect on him. She had wanted to encourage the choice of instead going with a Speedo, and she made no effort to avert her gaze when he tried it on. Shizuka tried being professional enough, but she wasn't blind. Marik was good-looking. It was that simple. She tried her best to match his energy while also trying on a few things, then finally decided she liked a black bikini that had a bottom piece that was a bit further on the cheeky side. For someone as active as she was, she had no problem showing herself off.

Then, of course, she threw money at her problems. After paying for everything, she and Marik looked like they were totally ready for anything. With their change of clothes in a bag, Shizuka grabbed a hold of Marik's hand again and held it tightly, no intention present of letting him go. She expertly navigated the two of them through the shops and across a small street that led to the beach. Unsurprisingly, there were tons of people, but not enough to overcrowd. It would be a great opportunity for them to just chat and learn about each other, which excited her. She loved the idea of making new friends. Plus, she really wanted to get to know the guy.

"Y'know, you look good in literally everything. I'm pretty jealous. You're also fit as heck, which helps. And... you're nice to me even though you don't know me very well yet. I could totally fall for you!" She laughed it off but suddenly realized she may have been a bit too forward. "Oh, I mean, theoretically! Not, like... Obviously, since we just met and all..." Shizuka sighed. So he'd get to experience her awkwardness, too.

[Maria Ashwin]

' BEING SECOND BEST....ISN'T SO BAD' 5 paragraphs 50 paragraphs total so far Maria is useing reversal and is currently a man Shizuka Sanamizu ✮

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(1) The hairs on the back of Mariks neck would stand up upon her touch sending a a light stinging sensation along his spine. Every fiber in his body was telling him he needed to run , she was attacking him or thats what his senses wanted him to believe. How long had it been since he felt the touch of another that wasn't meant to harm or kill him? As he stood still feeling her hands rub in the sun screen , his ever tense back muscles being quickly massaged he found himself relaxing a great deal as the depth of his touch starved life slowly was dauwning on him.

(2) Once they had thier swimsuits all payed for and bagged , Marik would find Shizu taking the initiative and dragging him to the beach front. When she grabbed his hand this time he would make a bold move , locking his fingers with hers as they walked although this was done absent mindedly he simply was growing more comfortable with her presence as time tip toes along.

(3) A simple warm smile would be on his face as they walked in mostly silence ,simply taking in the scenery and sneaking a glance to enjoy the view that was the lovely woman next to him. Something about knowing she was having fun made him happy. Maybe...this was all he was missing some time to himself ever blue moon.

(4) "Y'know, you look good in literally everything. I'm pretty jealous. You're also fit as heck, which helps. And... you're nice to me even though you don't know me very well yet. I could totally fall for you!" Those words seemed to hang in the air as she laughed , a small warm smile remained on his face as he looked over to her , "you know your cute when your trying to find the right words" amusement laced his words , as he would quickly lean in attempting to give her a quick peck on the forehead.

(4) ballsy yes , well thought out no , does he know what he's doing no its been two thousand years since the emperor staged the birth of Christ this might as well be his first date all over again. "im going to go find a changing stall , if your still up for a walk id like to go for a walk along the shallows...seems a little less crowded" which for the most part was true , as most people seemed to be hanging back in the sand on thier phones or near the food stands.

(5) It was one of the few things marik hated about the modern world , a few feet away from the natural beauty of the world and there where those who decided to bury their faces in their phones or other vices. He would give her hand a light squeeze before loosening his grip and venturing off to the changing stalls next to the porta potties "syawosil-eul hwajangsil yeop-e duneun geon seoyang-in-ege matgyeo eug" (korean to english translation: leave it to a westerners to put the showers next to the toilets ugh) he would grumble as he took the stall fartherest away from the viles things

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

Shizuka didn't even attempt to remove her hand from Marik's when she felt his fingers lace themselves between her own. Instead, she grinned to herself and just enjoyed his company, appreciating the fact that she could relax with him. He didn't make a single attempt to take advantage of her or challenge her or do anything that would have made her uncomfortable, and that was enough. Granted, she had to think hard to remember the last time someone did that. Maybe they just knew better. Maybe they could sense that she wasn't some weak little girl and that was enough for them to think twice. Whatever it was, it didn't matter. She could chill.

After she spoke and somewhat stumbled over what to say, Shizuka was surprised when Marik returned the compliment. It was in a good way, but she was surprised, regardless. She let him kiss her forehead as she smiled softly back, not wanting to say something that could ruin the sweet moment. Plus, this gave her a chance to really take in everything that was around them both. It was so hot, but not uncomfortable yet. The water was an impossibly clean shade of blue. She could hear complete strangers screaming and cheering as they played or talked to each other. Then everything was interrupted once Marik's words broke through.

"I'm going to go find a changing stall. If you're still up for a walk, I'd like to go for a walk along the shallows...seems a little less crowded."

She sincerely fought the urge to ask if she could go with him. "Sounds good! I'll grab one right next to you."

After giving Shizuka's hand a squeeze and letting her go, she politely followed behind him and did her best to be as professional as possible. She did just meet this guy, after all. She didn't want to do or say something that would offend the poor guy, but she couldn't help being excited about the fact that they were hanging out together. As they walked, he seemed to say something in what was definitely an Asian language, but Shizuka could not tell what it was for the life of her. Our of all of the Asian languages, the only one she actually spoke was Japanese since she lived there for most of her life. This was new.

"You okay?"

His attitude toward the location of the stalls seemed to bother him, and she couldn't blame the guy. It was common practice for changing rooms to be lumped together with bathrooms in the islands. Still, she wondered if that was the issue or if it was something else and ultimately decided he'd tell her if he wanted to. After using the stall adjacent to his, Shizuka made quick use of her time and put on her black bikini that looked suspiciously similar to one she already owned. It had a simple top made from typical strings holding two triangles together to cover her chest, and the bottoms were definitely more cheeky than other swim suits. She was in good shape, so she never cared.

After leaving the stall, she looked quickly to locate Marik with the intention of leading him somewhere more secluded. There were several resorts close by, and even though the beaches were technically for those resort locations, they were actually still open to the public. No one ever went over there out of politeness, but it's not like anyone got in trouble if they did. So the blonde met back up with her new friend and walked him out about a mile, carrying casual conversation while they moved. The sand was a bit hot, so Shizuka led the both of them down by the water, letting it approach and chase them until it eventually covered their feet.

"This was kind of unexpected. I guess I never took advantage of the fact that we can do all of this stuff. It kind of gives me a bit of an elitist view of spiritually aware beings over humans even if I am one. I mean, not that I think I'm better, but can you deny how convenient this is? Although whatever you used to get us here is definitely something I haven't seen before. Ha!"

[Maria Ashwin]

' BEING SECOND BEST....ISN'T SO BAD' 5 paragraphs 55 paragraphs total so far Maria is useing reversal and is currently a man Shizuka Sanamizu ✮

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(1) The neon green haired espada would sigh as he stripped out of his upper clothes , feeling a gentle breeze wash over his body he would take a deep breath. Shizu had asked about his well being , and he needed to calm himself it wasn;t her fault the porta potties had been placed there. "im fine.....it's just....the world has changed so much and i kinda hate the idea of toilets and changing rooms being this close together" dissatisfaction dripping from his world like the venom from a cobra's mouth.

(2) He would make no effort to voice his opinion further , for he was a relic of the past and most would say...the past is where he belonged. A simple farm boy turned killer for pay....from a time of feudal lords and daily skirmishes and shifting tides of power. He was never meant to rise above his station in life , never meant to make it this far and yet here he was. An espada....one the last of his dying breed trying to achieve greatness and drag the world with him kicking and screaming.

(3) He would take a moment leaning against the stall wall , unbuckling his pans sliding them off with his underwear in one fluid motion before quickly stepping into his new bottoms. Looking at the sand blasted and grimy mirror in the changing booth he would sigh , never in all his years had he shown this much skin in a public zone. Taking baths in the village hot spring was different! there where no women around , With a sigh he folds his clothes and stuffs them in the bag he had the shorts in.

(4) one thing he had to admit once he and shizu met up again was a plain fact everyone knew , she was drop dead gorgeous. although he wouldn't say much of anything he had already been laying it on thick because he wanted her to smile , anymore and his actions would become questionable. Although in the back of his mind he was wondering if maybe he could pull off that bikini better than she did 'a nice straw hat and some sunglasses and the look would be complete' he though to himself trying hard not to smile as they walked to the waters edge.

(4) His shoulders seem to loosen up as the cold water hit his sandles , the feeling of the mildly warm yet still cool water made him feel relaxed. Although he would take the bomb shell blondes words into consideration , "kinda thing happens when most of the world only uses thier powers killing...i swear sometimes it feels like everyone forgets there's more to life than fighting" a frown would cross his face , his eyes seemed to dull a little at that statement , but he would quickly push that down as they kept walking.

(5) "sorry there i go talking about work again....as for the technique its just a minor sonido variation and not even my most impressive one" he would say non-cholantly , not wanting to dwell on the topic. But given the cue the gears in his head did begin to spin she could touch him without melting and claimed to be human and the only people who could do that where....'huh...so she's a fullbringer'

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

Despite the conversation being fairly casual, Shizuka picked up on a few things that Marik was clearly trying to lay out in front of her. The sudden admittance to her being human probably clued him in on what she was, but when he mentioned using Sonido, she raised her eyebrows. If he could use that, then chances were that he was from Hueco Mundo. It had been a long time since she'd encountered someone from there. The last time was with Arcadus, and the sudden memory of him made her furrow her brows a bit as she looked down at the sand. She wasn't all that surprised to realize she missed him. He was a good guy to her even if they didn't know each other that long at all.

If Marik was anything like Arcadus, then that explained why he was being so nice to Shizuka even though they were so different. As time went on and she was exposed to more and more things, Shizuka came to realize that there was so much more to other people than what she first thought. Some prejudices were difficult to get by, but she knew she could work on it. At least for the most part. There were certainly people out there she just wasn't sure she could ever forgive. The first one that came to mind was Shinigami, and then the Vandenreich was an obvious choice here. Outside of that, she didn't have any major issues with anyone.

"You know, when I was young, I didn't think this would be my life." The blonde looked out to the ocean as she spoke, taking in the blue beauty and enjoying the warmth of the island. "I don't think anyone does. I didn't think I'd be here, doing what I'm doing, or even hanging out with someone as sweet as you. I figured I'd go to college, graduate, get some job, move on with my life. And, of course, eventually die. I didn't know anything about the soul cycle or anything having to do with any of that. Actually, I used to be super afraid of death until I learned that it kept going somewhat. Now I don't feel afraid at all. My only hang up is not being able to see the people I love here as much."

She didn't know what caused her to open up like this. Maybe it was the fact that not as many people were around anymore, or maybe it was that Marik felt so easy to talk to that she wanted to keep sharing. Whatever it was, that tranquility gave her the emotional support she needed to feel comfortable speaking so candidly about her feelings on life and everything she's experienced. She could only hope Marik would feel the same, but she wouldn't pressure him otherwise anyway. That wasn't like her to do in the first place. She was definitely the type to give people their space to find their own peace and maybe explore their own levels of comfort with her as they got to know her.

"I guess, at least now that I've had a while to think about it, I find that I'm really thankful for every opportunity I've been given that made me like a super hero. Or maybe a super villain... Ha! It depends on who you ask. I think I'm a good person, but that kind of thing is up to everyone else to decide for me. Labels like that seem to be bestowed upon you by society anyway and I've made a few headlines before in the past. All I can do is my best, right?"

The atmosphere around the two of them had calmed down significantly as they distanced themselves from everyone else, but they could easily still hear the voices of excited people over the sounds of waves crashing against the sandy beach they walked on. Shizuka found a few shells and kicked them along with some dried coral, smiling when she was able to get them to travel more than just a couple of feet. It wasn't every day she could feel this normal and wanted to enjoy it while she could before reality set back in, whatever that meant for her. Truthfully, the reality that she lived was nothing like what normal people go through every day.

[Maria Ashwin]

' BEING SECOND BEST....ISN'T SO BAD' [5] paragraphs 60 paragraphs total so far Maria is useing reversal and is currently a man Shizuka Sanamizu ✮

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(1) "i cant say i agree , when i died the first time..." he paused for a moment once they made thier way along a thicket of palm , pushing them to walk in the shallow waters. The warm waves gently rocking at their shins "..i was confronting my father , he had sold my sick and dieing mother to a brothel..i found her body on my way back into our village..." he would draw a shakey breath as he looked at the slowly setting sun that had yet to land upon the horizon just yet , the sky a lovely shade of pink.

(2) "i attacked and he fought back , i got scared after he stabbed me...he chased me into the woods and wrestled me to the ground and impaled me on a tree root...he just left me there" the light seem to briefly fade from his eyes , his tone sounding drained of joy as he sighed keeping his pace as they walked. "it took days for me die , and after hundreds of years i gave up on hoping to be found i was scared ,alone, and just wanted it all to end" he would jab his thumb twoard his sternum.

(3) "so i tried to end it all ,and rip the chain out myself...but all it did was make me a hollow...it's actually kinda sad i can't even remember her face i've been alive so long...the idea of doing all over again before i recognize my dream....terrifies me" he would say in jest although the smile was forced , reliving memories like these hurt a dull pain throbbed where his heart should be his hollow hole acheing within the gigai. Once they rounded the next corner they would be greeted with a secluded lagoon 

(4) "as for titles bestowed...i wouldn't worry about it , most people think im some monster...but i guess we are all the villains in someone's story best we can do is be someone they can't forget" he would say turning on his heel walking backwards looking at shizu with a gooft grin as he took a quick bow. "what matters is we have fun while the stage is ours and have some fun along the waaaa-" he was cut off as he tripped on a big conch shell half buried in the sand..

(5) he would let out a rather loud chuckle as he sat on his ass in the water , the waves lapping at his chest. "im sorry if im being a downer.." he would start attempting to slow his laughing "..i just dont have many people to talk to , almost everyone either wants me dead , wants my position, or hates me because im me" his smile was that of genuine ease , he truly enjoyed being around her.

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

Guilt struck Shizuka's heart like a bolt of lightning to a tree, burning through the delicate tissues until there was nothing left but ash. Maybe she was lucky. Maybe there was a different word that better described what she was. All she knew was that her life was infinitely better than Marik's, and that made her horribly sad for him. She couldn't imagine the pain he went through with such an abusive person in his life who threatened his very existence. Having his mother sold off and separated from him like that was awful enough, but then to go through the trauma he did and be left to die for days on end? It was all too much.

Furrowed brows revealed Shizuka's true emotions as she listened to Marik tell his story, though something inside of her welled up like a bomb getting ready to burst. She recognized this feeling. It was the same thing she felt when Luke talked about his previous trauma and who was responsible for it. That damn Vandenreich was the source of so much rage and disgust within the woman's heart, and hearing Marik explain his past made her desperate to find his father's soul and eradicate it completely. She had the ability to do that. She was itching to test just how far her abilities could reach. What use was it to Shizuka to have such power if she couldn't flex it against trash like that?

But despite her negative feelings and the fact that her hands had balled themselves into fists without her consent, she dared not interrupt. Instead, she looked in Marik's direction, a silent listener during his tale of discovery. This wasn't the first time someone had told her about their life as a Hollow or even the desire to be reborn from one. It made her curious, she had to admit. If this was a path that could be chosen that led to greater power and she'd considered something like this before. Her greatest fear was losing herself, though. That was a risk she didn't want to take. And then, obviously, what would happen to her human relationships? Would they disappear?

Then something he said resonated with the blonde woman, pausing her inner mind babble instantly. "I don't think what I've done is very forgettable."

Shizuka's words were spoken under her breath. It wouldn't be surprising if Marik was unable to hear her with the waves crashing around them, and especially after he tried to do something smooth before completely falling backwards on the sand. He laughed, and Shizuka couldn't help but laugh along with him despite her best efforts to stifle it as much as possible. She didn't know if he'd be embarrassed and didn't want to risk making him feel worse after everything he shared with her. Reaching her hand out to him, a smile on her face to match his own grin, Shizuka hoped he'd accept her offer to pick him back up off the ground.

"You're hardly a downer, love. You're a really cool person. I definitely don't hate you, and I have no idea what 'position' it is that you occupy but I promise you that I don't want it. Probably." She'd let out a soft chuckle. "Besides, all of this made you who you are. And I like this version of you. Well, I'd like probably any version of you since you've been so nice to me. People's characters don't change so easily."

Hoping Marik would take her hand, Shizuka stepped backwards a few times while shifting her body weight so that she could use the leverage to lift him off the ground. Being in a Gigai meant that he was going to have actual substance to his weight and not the floaty-soul-kind of thing. That's how it works, right? Anyway, assuming her efforts worked, the two of them would be standing once again as she got a good look at the goofy Arrancar she now knew him to be. For someone who held so much pain within himself, he was cheerful. Was it a facade, maybe? Or perhaps he just learned how to cope. Even so...

"Y'know, some people would say you take two steps backwards for every one step forward." To emphasize her point, Shizuka stepped back twice and forward once. "But I just call that dancing. And eventually, you always end up exactly where you want to be."

With a few more steps and turns, Shizuka dragged her feet along the sand and drew a few intricate patterns before the water washed them all away, but she'd end up right next to Marik before grabbing his hand. With a single step forward once again, the sand in front of them would flatten out entirely for several dozens of feet as if someone had brushed over it with the flat, straight edge of a long broom. Soul Command at its finest, and Shizuka was a master at it. For every additional step the two of them took, their footsteps would remain, showing the exact path they walked on together. If Marik glanced behind, he'd see exactly what it was that Shizuka was trying to do since the prints only had a single difference: size.

"We're similar. We have different experiences, but we're still people. We feel misunderstood, but we care about others. Well, when they deserve it. And we're strong." Shizuka lifted her free hand and gently placed it on the center of Marik's chest, right above where his heart would be. "So let your past continue to give you strength. Just don't ever let it consume you. You have a friend now who would be more than happy to do the dirty work for you."

[Maria Ashwin]

' BEING SECOND BEST....ISN'T SO BAD' 6 paragraphs 66 paragraphs total so far Maria is useing reversal and is currently a man Shizuka Sanamizu ✮

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(1) Marik reached out, taking Shizuka's hand in his own as she helped hoist him up. His cheeks were flushed, a far cry from the understatement he had originally intended. He had made a fool of himself, but he didn't care. She was laughing with him, for the first time in years. He had someone he could laugh with over his follies and mistakes. It was liberating to feel this level of freedom.

(2) However, this newfound joy was tempered by the weight of her next words. They struck a chord in his heart, as she described life as a dance. She showed him the graceful movements and simplicity of taking two steps back and then taking a single step forward. How long had he danced through his own life, a directionless bird seeking meaning in the suffering that was his existence?

(3) He had little time to contemplate his thoughts as Shizuka grasped his hand, drawing him forward once more. His eyes widened slightly as he witnessed her shape the land around them. He had fought many fullbringers with outlandish powers, but never had he seen them use the fabled soul command technique, let alone to this level of expertise. The neon-haired man couldn't help but look behind them. The path itself was so pristine and clean. The fact that Archadus had a cult of dedicated fullbringers and hadn't used them for anything other than to stroke his ego bothered him immensely.

(4) Yet, he wouldn't be able to ponder on the plights or worries of the ex-Segunda Espada for long. As they came to a halt, he suddenly felt her hand resting on his heart, or where it would be in his gigai as he lacked one in his true form. A sad smile crept onto his face as he wrapped his arms around her in a hug, a dull ache settling in his heart.

(5) He took a shaky breath as hot tears began to streak down his face. He was unraveling. After all, what does one do when someone breaks down your walls as thoroughly as she had? He didn't need to wear a mask of power or build up this image of being an unstoppable force of nature. He just had to be himself. "You know, I think I'd like that a lot," he said, his voice raspy. He held her in his arms for a few seconds, content in this state.

(6) He didn't care what she was or what faction she belonged to. All that mattered was that she was here, and for once, he could confide in her. "I honestly don't know what to say, but if you ever need a tag team partner, don't hesitate to call me. But we should probably get a swim in before we hit the Tokyo market," he sniffled with a little laugh as he wiped his red, puffy eyes.

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

Marik was right about one thing. The two of them absolutely needed to swim. The weather was beautiful, and it was clear from the hug that Shizuka generously returned that the two of them deserved some time off. The typical day-to-day nonsense that they both dealt with could be unbearable sometimes. They were both strong in their own rights, and even if Shizuka wasn't entirely sure what it was Marik did, she knew that it held a significant weight over his head. The blonde gently stroked her fingertips against Marik's back to give him a little scratch, hoping it would calm him further and give him comfort. She didn't want him to feel so alone anymore.

"Y'know what, Marik? I'll absolutely take you up on that. But let's play around a little bit before leaving. I liked your suggestion and I think we should do exactly that," Shizuka would say as the Arrancar pulled away from her, wiping his eyes.

Keeping the man close by, Shizuka waved her hand in front of the water and gathered a good bit by the shore, guiding it with hand motions until it was just above both of their heads. Within just a moment, she smiled and closed her eyes, then released her hold on the water as it crashed down on top of both of them, soaking the two entirely. With a laugh, she wiped her eyes clear of the saltiness, grabbed Marik's hand again, and yanked him along with her into the ocean. Continuing her use of Soul Command, Shizuka formed medium-sized bubbles around both of their heads for a couple of reasons; Shizuka needed oxygen to breathe, and even if Marik didn't in his Gigai, he needed to have a good visual of the sea live beneath the waves.

Maintaining her hold on his hand, Shizuka kicked her legs little by little to propel the two further away from the shore. Fish were swimming beside them, easy to see with the air bubbles doing their job. It was as if they were looking through glass bowls and everything was crystal clear. Looking at Marik, she pointed out at a stingray that was swimming along the sand at the bottom of the ocean, just feet away from them. It didn't mind their presence at all and simply looked for something to eat as other creatures inspected their human-shaped watchers. It wasn't often that she got to flex her abilities, even just for fun, so this was nice for her.

Staying close to the surface, Shizuka knew she couldn't dive too deep because the water pressure would still affect her, causing pain in her ears. But thanks to her constant oxygen refresh and the bubble around her head, she didn't have much reason to go above water. It was as if they were wearing dive suits but didn't have to be connected to any tanks, and they were stronger than any other beast in the ocean. They were completely safe and could just enjoy the look of the sun as it sparkled beneath the waves, coloring the sand with small rainbows of light. Fish danced within coral beds and sea turtles swam around Shizuka and Marik, blissfully unaware of the devastation either one of them could cause. They were at peace.

"We take this for granted," Shizuka said, her voice slightly muffled because of the bubble but still audible. "We have endless amounts of power and use it for literally anything else. I mean, who could say that they ever experienced any of this? We're defying laws of physics and everything! And we do that stuff every day!"

The blonde laughed as she continued to swim, knowing that it had been several minutes and their next stop was going shopping in Tokyo. Admittedly, she wasn't ready to deal with whatever hyper-speed Marik traveled at, so she was stalling only vaguely. Although, despite that, she was actually incredibly excited to shop. With the necklace he'd given her sparkling against her skin beneath the water, she turned over and let her body drift quietly. The specs of light that emanated from her new piece of jewelry attracted more creatures, big and small, to the two. Eventually, even a dolphin swam around them before disappearing back into the distance.

"Thanks for bringing me here, by the way. I'm actually really enjoying myself!"