Bad Blood [Private, Nozomi, Ashlei]

Ancient, stoic, mystical... powerful, imposing, salient; such words could be attributed to the mountainous plant at the heart of Hueco Mundo. Las Vivientes—the Living—markedly of the feminine derivative like the queen minx of the land. It was surprising to see such life in the barren wasteland that was Hueco Mundo, especially at such a scale. However, it was hardly alive. The ability to grow naturally had been taken away from it, as ersatz stone lined the interior like a tower within a tower. The plant was now a husk to contain what the Arrancar have built, and it was a grotesque construction. Then again, not much better were the Hollows. Perhaps there was even a correlation between the two specimens, and that this was their interpretation of art. Whatever its significance to the creatures that resided here or the words they wished to describe it with, it was the queen's dwelling, and Nozomi was here to see her. The air before the gates shimmered like when heat waves warped the rays of light. It was a small, almost unnoticeable anomaly. Coupled with the arbitrary timing and utter silence of it, it would be no small chance that it went without fanfare. It would abruptly vanish without a trace even if discovered, merely seconds after its appearance. It was probably nothing.

Despite this, a blue-haired female in black and white attire now walked the flights of Las Vivientes. Nozomi was a pale human with the body of a woman but the size of a teenager. She was shorter, thinner, and younger-looking than your average dictator, and yet she had the curves to suggest there was more to it. Her outfit, commonly classified as the uniform of a neo-nazi, outlined these features well, and added to the appeal. The only splash of color came from the cardinal band just past her left shoulder, sporting the four-tipped star symbol of her own Dominion. Her skin was consistently blanched throughout her body, unmarked by flaws, like an immaculate statue come to life. It contrasted strongly with the long azure locks that flowed down past her waist, and the piercing red eyes that were a blade through one's soul when she looked at you. Her appearance spoke volumes for her, as she was an iconic figure; a being a note. The moment she revealed herself, she knew Ashlei would become aware of her presence. Nozomi could sense the weakness of the Hollow Queen from here, perhaps as frail as she'd ever been. She'd likely be expecting attempts on her life during this period of weakness, and she would be wary of Nozomi's presence. Perhaps there would be a degree of fear struck in the Arrancar's heart when she noticed her guest.

And these thoughts made her smile.

The First Quincy walked up the stairs with a purpose, her Arius activated and beheld the legerdemain that enchanted this place. The curse of the maze, as she liked to refer to tricks like this; there was a spell on these stairs that would cause them to forever repeat themselves unless certain prerequisites were met. This requirement was not concrete, but conceptual; not within the victim, but outside. It was... ah. Simple permission—Ashlei's word was the key past this door, as it was the only thing that seemed to temporarily undo the curse. ''My name...'' the Quincy began slowly, deliberately articulating her words, before pausing. After that she moved her lips as though to speak but made no noise, merely mouthing what seemed to be an incoherent jumble of vowels and consonants. Then she would give her voice sound again: ''My name is Ashlei.'' Her voice was off now, more matured and softer than she was known for. ''I own and rule Hueco Mundo.'' Again, drifting further apart from what was recognizable as her own voice, she announced these words to no one in particular. The chimelike accent was gone. ''Queen of Bones, Sands, Blood. Some call me a tyrant, insane, a monster...''

It was evident that the sounds coming from her throat were no longer belonging to her. Vocal cords were being altered, and energy was gleaming from Nozomi that rang not of her own signature. As Nozomi finished her arbitrary recitation, it could not be mistaken for any other's voice but Ashlei Mischievang's herself. More than that, the Quincy had colored her energy to mimic the Arrancar's. ''Do you think any of that true?'' With that, she'd perfected an imitation of Ashlei well enough to satisfy the prerequisites of her little trick room. As she approached the precipice to the Blood Halls, where the final verge of the illusion was prepared to send her back to the beginning, she spoke out in Ashlei's sultry voice. ''I hereby give Nozomi permission to visit me where I reside.'' The enchantment, while powerful, was very simple and easily fooled by someone as clever as her. So, when she stepped through into the gothic hallways, the layers of magic would treat her as a welcomed one.

Now with pseudo-Ashlei's consent, none of the barriers remaining would hinder her trek toward her destination. She strode casually and calmly toward the Queen's chamber doors, keeping an eye on Ashlei with her Arius as much as she was in return. Would she make a break for it, prepare for a fight, or call for help? Nozomi's actions would no doubt inspire a feeling of dread and panic. Yet, the infiltration will have occurred so fast that there would be little time to act if she wanted to. It was only a moment before Nozomi had arrived, phasing through the ornamental set of doors as though they were not even there; they did not need to open for her to pass through. Her eyes focused in on Ashlei as she entered, bowing her head slightly and hoping that was enough to communicate her peaceful intentions. All of the earlier finesse she displayed getting into Ashlei's home was just for the sake of the challenge, and Nozomi would have a wry grin on her face for being able to pass through them all with ease.

''Good evening, your majesty. Could I perhaps interest you in a friendly discussion?''