With the Captains suffering casualties and heavy injuries on their side, all hope seemed to be lost... until Shinji Hirako appeared, along with the rest of the former Shinigami. Though the aid of the Vizards certainly helped to draw the battle in their favor, it seemed Aizen's power alone proved too much for them.
Post by Rebel Raven on Jul 23, 2009 1:38:47 GMT -5
Halibel nodded lightly, "It's very good. You made a fine choice in your selection." She wasn't used to eating human food, but it made her feel better, and she enjoyed it, thanks in no small part to the company. "Are you enjoying it?" she asked in her poor attempt to soften her tone, which was still calm, and almost authoritative as she had almost never spoken otherwise.
It was odd passing things through the jaws that remained of her hollow mask, and not a common thing to feel air on what was exposed of her breasts. She tended to keep these things covered up.
She could get used to it, however. She may have to to help with the boredom of not having anyone she could relate to around.
She let her mind relax, and for once, she could relax... not entirely, not yet, but she were close to it.
"Mhm" Lucia replied as she took another bite. "I really love human desserts" Lucia was truly at a peace of mind. The two of them sat in the cool shade of the umbrella, undisturbed by crowds and human vehicles. Just the two of them, enjoying a delightfully cold dessert. This was the best day of Lucia's life as far as she could remember.
But as all good things come to and end, this day threatened to close as well. Out of the corner of her eye, Lucia caught the vibrant colors of a setting sun. The day had already gone by. Lucia had spent much more time in the human world than she had expected, but it seemed like it had gone by to quickly.
Lucia sat there quietly, twirling her spoon in what was left of the small cake. "Miss Halibel...." Lucia spoke up as the sky began to darken, her voice was quiet and timid at first but she began to speak up with sincerity and confidence. "Do we really have to leave it like this? You mentioned before that being alone was a terrible thing to endure....perhaps I can relieve you of your loneliness?" Lucia said in a sincere voice, her eyes reflected her feelings of desperation and admiration.
Post by Rebel Raven on Jul 23, 2009 19:08:35 GMT -5
Halibel nodded softly as she agreed with Lucia over human desserts. She enjoyed the peace, and tranquility of the moment long after most other Arrancar would've flipped the table, and went insane.
She took no notice of the sun, and the coming night. She took no mind that it ever had to end, and she just enjoyed the moment.
"How do you propose to resolve my lonliness?" she asked Lucia calmly, seriously, yet softly. She had regrets over their parting, but also knew hat if she stayed there ay be complications as well. It all depended on what she would say.
She had Halibel's full attention as she used a napkin on her mouths, then zipped her jacket.
"I want to stay with you, Halibel-sama" Lucia stated firmly. "I want to stay here in the human world as your fraccion. Nothing would make me happier than being able to serve under you, and I hope that I could make you happy too. Please Halibel-sama, please allow me to serve under you"
Lucia remained silent after pleading to the arrancar woman. She waited calmly for a response, but on the inside, she couldn't have felt more anxious. She never had so much of her hope riding on a single decision of another person. The time that passed seemed like an eternity, during that time, Lucia never looked away from Halibel's eyes. Her gazed seem serious yet kind, soft yet strong, a gaze that never allowed Lucia to peer into her mind and read her true emotion. What Halibel-sama was thinking at the moment was a complete mystery to her.
Post by Rebel Raven on Jul 23, 2009 20:14:17 GMT -5
"I've lost my right to Fraccion a long time ago," Halibel said with glimmers of sadness in her tone. It was a pleasure to be asked, but it was dangerous. "If you became my Fraccion, the other Espada may hunt us in anger," she apparently though of all the angles, especially the bad ones. She knew defection may not be treated well, and she did not want Lucia to be a target.
"However," she says, "I would appreciate a visit, now and then," she offered consolation.
"I'd not want to place you in unnecessary danger," she said in a genuine tone as she watched Lucia for reactions.
"I do realize my leadership style is much different than many Espada, but I'm certain one of them is more palatable than the rest. I'd like you to find one of them to serve." she said softly, in a private tone. "I want you to be in the safest position possible, Lucia, and that is not with me as a defector." She said calmly, and with care, yet little emotion, and much seriousness.
Lucia was hurt when Halibel declined her offer, but was also grateful that Halibel cared so much about Lucia's well being. The fact that Halibel openly stated she was concerned for Lucia's life only furthered her desire to stay with her. Her resolve had never been stronger, she was too persistent to give up so easily, at least on this matter.
"I really am grateful that you are concerned about my safety Halibel-sama, but I'd rather be in danger than to be alone." Lucia explained desperately to the former espada. Lucia seemed much more emotional, far from her usual calm demeanor. "Halibel-sama, even though I've only known you for a day, you are the only person to ever care for me, or even acknowledge me. You have given me some purpose to my meaningless existence." Lucia's voice began to die down to a soft whisper,a hint of sadness could be detected within. "Please reconsider Miss Halibel, I beg you....please." Lucia stared at the ground, trying to hide the tears that were beginning to form in her eyes. Halibel might think of her as weak for shedding tears over such a thing.
Last Edit: Jul 23, 2009 22:39:42 GMT -5 by Yu'Karaya
Post by Rebel Raven on Jul 23, 2009 22:52:22 GMT -5
Halibel frowned beneath her well hidden mask, "Lucia, I am not the only Espada to ever be kind to their Fraccion. Stark, too, was kind to his. There is hope for you to serve someone who will not endanger you by simply accepting you."
To be argued against... it's never really happened before. Halibel was used to her word being law, even though she were far more kinder, and involved with those she lead. If it were another time, and place she would have had Lucia, but it was too dangerous for it now. She knew Gin, and Grimmjow, the two in charge, and knew their anger. They were unstable. Never mind the possibility of other Espada being similar, but she knew that if they were offended they well could be merciless.
"My words are final, Lucia," she said, trying not to be harsh. She certainly could be harsh on the girl if it came to it, but no, she wanted to see her again some time. "But that does not mean you cannot visit me." She, again, offered some hope.
Lucia fell silent for a moment. She knew the whole time that Lucia wouldn't change her mind. She began to calm down, accepting Halibel's final decision. "I understand" she said softly, her eyes still focused on the ground, her voice still wavered a bit, but had mostly reverted to its original calm and serious tone, but the sadness still remained. "It was selfish of me to disregard your orders, knowing that you only had my best interest in mind." Lucia's icy gaze met Halibel's as she looked upward. "I'm so sorry" she said weakly. She had disappointed herself, and she must have disappointed Halibel as well. Lucia had let her emotion get in the way, something that caused her to stand against Halibel's wishes. "If it makes Miss Halibel happy, then I will leave" Lucia thought to herself. "But I will become stronger, and someday she will not have to worry about my safety. I could be the one to protect her."
A garganta opened up behind Lucia just as the Sun disappeared behind the horizon. "Thank you Miss Halibel, for such a wonderful evening and for being so kind to me" she said, a faint smile returning to her lips, yet this one was bitter sweet. Lucia began to walk toward the tear in space behind her. She had to force herself to take every step, it was hard to leave the only person who began to care about you behind. As she was about to step through the portal, she turned around briefly to look at Halibel one more time. She stood their, firm and strong, her arms crossed under her chest. Her eyes stared straight ahead at Lucia, unblinking. "Goodbye Miss Halibel, until next time" she stated softly, her eyes seemed to deepen with sorrow. With that, she turned around and disappeared into the portal, returning to the bleak world of Hueco Mundo.
Post by Rebel Raven on Jul 24, 2009 1:53:37 GMT -5
Halibel hated to see her leave, but it was for the best. She could not afford to be selfish at the expense of other like that. She stood slowly, then walked off into Karakura town knowing she mad the right decision even though it was a painful one.
