Black & White [Eve]

"Center, or between the windows over there?" Eve's outstretched hand moved from it's angle towards the throne and to the windows to the right of it. They peered out with disgust at neighboring towers, open maws still wet with drying paint.

"Center," the voice within her head hummed after a brief pause. "Windows make it look too cluttered."

The Vaizard gave a swift nod before picking up the large panting and easing it onto the blank wall behind the throne. The timeless picture of a woman on a boat, head tilted downward at the murky waters as she maneuvered through the vibrant brush around her, was one of the few possessions Eve had from her time as an Arrancar. A cherish symbol of the love she had felt for Robert and all she had learned from her time with him. It pained her to think about him, for more reasons than just his death, but the quiet reminder that he wasn't forgotten was much appreciated.

Once in place, Eve took a step back to admire the painting. Tilted to the left, she noticed and quickly corrected before giving a pleased nod and clapping her hands free of any dust.

"We finally got this throne room in shape, huh?" The woman smiled as she looked about the large, white room.

The throne, now an actual throne instead of a couch for a beast, stood proud above a few steps, allowing her to look over the heads of the masses, should they enter her domain. Large pillars and windows broke up the monotony, though only barely. Aside from the single painting that loomed over her chair, there was no color to speak of.

"An excellent use of our time, no doubt," Wishes chuckled whole heartily. "When are we going to redo the rest of the castle?"

Eve's expression soured as she picked up on his little game. She wouldn't play it, not today at least. She gave a dismissive wave of her fingers, as if he was standing beside her, and then spun on her heels. Today, she had other plans. Plans with Octavia. Plans to find Samyaza. Plans to go back to...

Uhm...

Where exactly could she find that guy again? Someone on Earth, right? A forest?

Her ponderings were cut short by the approaching presence of a small Arrancar. Without any hesitation, the Queen donned her masquerade mask. The three feathers on each side glowed a faint color of the rainbow, ever shifting between the spectrum, though no two feathers ever having the same hue. Otherwise, the mask was completely plain. Unimpressive for a Vaizard, no doubt, but sufficient given the nature of its creation.

The doors were pushed open with a hesitant hand and in came a pair of equally reluctant eyes. Fiery spheres pierced through the monochrome fortress and instantly fell on the masked Shinigami who stood in the middle of the room. No words were uttered for a few moments. It was Eve who took the lead.

"Hello," she smiled from behind her mask, eyes lighting up as she took a step towards her subject. "I am Eve Avana, Queen of this castle. What can I do for you?"

[532]

Verbrennung allowed her eyes to wander about the throne room of Las Noches momentarily, the Raven standing at her side. She was a blatant antithesis when standing amongst the building of white quartz. It appeared so clean and sterile, and yet there stood the charcoal-hued Arrancar with her bright red gaze, shawl of fire crackling from her shoulders, and stench of burning flesh. The only similarity seen between Verbrennung and Las Noches was the strip of white mask that stretched from cheekbone to cheekbone.

Perhaps she should’ve at least tossed some clothing on, but that would’ve just left a trail of ashes on the floors. Truly a lose-lose situation in that regard…

Focus was quickly brought to the masked woman in the room who greeted Verbrennung and introduced herself as the Queen of this castle. That was a much better way to introduce oneself, she thought. How greatly it contrasted her first meeting with Cazador who asserted itself as her King and leaned on threats of violence when she expressed skepticism. No, this woman seemed more in control of the situation and aware of how Hueco Mundo worked.

“That’s a good question, one I was hoping to get an answer for if I found anyone in here besides ‘King’ Cazador. I’m glad to see there is since the King and I didn’t… get along.” Verbrennung eyed the woman for a brief, quiet moment, “I assume you aren’t one of its followers? You don’t seem… the type.” You don’t seem weak enough.

Verbrennung took a few steps forward, the Raven hopping along at her side as she went, its talons making the subtlest of clacking noises as nail met with polished quartz floor.

“I’ve never been in Las Noches before, admittedly, and scarcely have I interacted with another Arrancar either. Yet here I am, hoping to find growth here in their— my people’s?— castle. Do you think that a possibility?”

While her words came out in a steady manner, there was still a nervousness about the Arrancar. There was much she didn’t know about Las Noches and how it worked. There was a still a risk.

Not once did Eve's eyes trail along the woman's deformed body. Not once did her nose wrinkle from the awful stench that filled the room. Not once did she even give the feathered companion a passing glance. No, Eve's focus remained on the woman who slowly stepped into the room, closing the door behind her. Red met yellow, neither faltering beyond the respectful glance-away that kept it from seeming like they were challenging one another. This was a conversation between two people, not monsters who looked for a weakness to pounce upon.

"I have only recently met Cazador," Eve answered honestly, though she forwent the more important details of said meeting. "I was once the Segunda Espada to Erasmus, though given your words I don't think that means much to you."

Another smile touched her lips as she walked towards the young woman. Only then did she look down at the Raven, as if asking permission to approach his consort.

"Unlike Cazador who lives on pride and his lesser Hollow heritage, I am here for only one thing." The Queen stopped before the lost woman, smiling down upon her like an excited mother. "I want every Arrancar within my domain to be the best they can possibly be. Whatever that means to them personally is what I'd like to help achieve."

Bold words, no doubt, but logic behind that hide beneath the surface. A logic neither her nor Wishes felt the need to address at that given moment. After all, it seemed they both liked the new addition to their family.

"If it's power you're after, I will guide you on the path to mastery," her words continued as she filled the room with her hopes and dreams. "If it's community, I have already brought the people of Las Noches together in ways they haven't been in centuries. Even if all you want are answers so that you may continue on your own path, I'll do everything in my power to educate you on everything and anything you'd like to know."

Never telling a front faced lie, but never really being upfront. Though her words fell out genuine and truly loving, it was hard for either parts of her soul to be happy with what she was saying. After all, weren't these just nice words to get the Arrancar to stay? To grow stronger and work for her? Allowing freedom to someone who already lusted for it was truly the greatest prize she could wiggle in front of the woman's face. She knew that subconsciously -- maybe even consciously -- but refused to accept that as the reason. Didn't she truly care about this person?

Her hand extended towards the girl, as if a handshake with a burning corpse was mundane. Even her smile, soft and encouraging, did nothing more than ease the tension that so clearly fell from the woman. Someone like Eve Avana was a far cry from the previous rulers -- and even their subordinates -- that was for sure. Whether that was for the better or for the worse that was up to her people to decide.

"I don't believe I caught your name," she said to give the sudden handshake some context. "While I am the leader here in Las Noches, I'm a servant to your desires. At the very least I should have a name or a title to address you as."

Once again her eyes dropped to the Raven that watched with its beady eyes.

"And how should I address your companion?"

[585]

She gave a slight, apologetic grin, “I’m sure the previous ruler was impressive but I don’t know them or any of the ones that came before.”

Verbrennung’s eyes remained focused on the Queen as she approached, the woman having already taken in the sights the throne room had to offer. The Raven met Eve’s eyes as she looked to it, the bird holding her gaze for an assessing moment before turning its head to allow its beak to preen at its feathers. It trusted the woman to not attack them. What would she gain by ending their shared existence anyways? Or perhaps it felt it had to trust the Queen for this encounter had been its own idea after all. It had to have faith that it hadn’t guided its collective self into their untimely demise.

The burned woman was unaware of the unprojected thoughts and emotions the Raven was mulling over, instead lending her ear fully to Eve as she explained her plans. She promised whatever Verbrennung desired whether it be power, community or answers. She spoke as if each being under her would be a project to perfect or a child to lead to greatness. The darker woman simply pursed her lips thinly as one word stood out in her mind: why? Why did this Eve Avana want to rule Las Noches? Why did she want to nurture the Arrancar with whatever their heart’s longed for? Why did she… care?

Such thoughts were interrupted when the Queen extended a hand to Verbrennung, causing the Arrancar’s eyes to widen in surprise. Hesitation was plain in the girl’s body language and expression. She… she knew, right? Someone as strong as this Eve Avana wouldn’t take offense or be taken off guard by her—

(Memories of flowers wilting and bursting into flames in her hands flashed through her mind.)

— her condition, right?

Verbrennung felt a sharp jab at her ankle while she was busy internally sweating, the girl glancing down briefly to see the Raven giving her a hard stare.

‘Have faith and trust in my judgement.’ It spoke into her mind, its voice that patronly tone only she could hear.

Verbrennung flexed her fingers before lifting a hand to shake Eve’s, the girl seeming to await some horrible after effect of this gesture.

“Verbrennung, it’s… Verbrennung.” Her words were lined with a clear tenseness about them.

"And how should I address your companion?"

Dark lips opened and then closed as Verbrennung cast her gaze down to the Raven briefly in consideration. It simply stared back with a look that said ‘Oh? You’re just now realizing?’. She had… never asked the creature its name. Assumptions had been made long ago that it was just a continuation of herself— "Verbrennung-extended"— not a being of its own with a title outside of what it obviously appeared to be.

“I… just call it the Raven.” She responded somewhat sheepishly.

Idiot!

"Verbrennung," Eve tasted the words with a small smile. "Very beautiful, much like the flames in your eyes."

There was no hesitation on the Queen's part. Gentle fingers wrapped around molten flesh, sucking away the warmth as the heat transferred. Not even the smell of new flesh burning away touched the air as she gave the woman a proper greeting. Admittedly, it did hurt, though no more than touching a slightly hot oven, or grabbing a bowl fresh from the microwave. Uncomfortable, but easily washed away in a sea of constant regeneration.

And as soon as the handshake had begun, it was over. The Queen returned her hand to her side without a blemish to prove contact with the fires of hell.

"I hope I'm not being too forward, but you are very hot," Eve remarked with amusement, clearly enjoying her play on words. "Call the police and fireman."

Would Verbrennung get the reference? It was seldom that spiritual beings keep with modern human trends, let alone listened to their music. Most were stuck in the mindset of 'X generation of music is the best!' That, unfortunately, was something Eve could never fully understand.

"Joking aside, it's a pleasure to meet you Verbrennung," Eve said to the woman and then looked to the raven. "And you as well, Nevermore. I hope the two of you find the balance you're looking for."

The words of wisdom were fleeting and soon her tone shifted back to that casual, lackadaisical norm. Something about her eyes hinted at a knowing nod, though it was so brief and so hard to see, it could have easily been a trick of the light.

"I'm sorry for catching you off guard. If I'm being too forward, please tell me to back off." She knew she wasn't being too forward. "Is there something I can get you to eat? Drink? Maybe we could sit down and chat for a while. You look like you carry a lot on your shoulders."

[332]

Beautiful. She tested the word in her head as if it were a strange, foreign concept. Had anyone ever called her that…? No… no, she didn’t think so. The Arrancar had certainly used the word before to describe the countryside of Germany or a particularly ferocious forest fire, and she’d heard it used as a descriptor for humans by humans but… Verbrennung plus ‘beautiful’ did not compute with the girl. Was the Queen mocking her? But... why would she? Just because she could? It wasn't like Verbrennung could do anything to stop her, after all...

Still, her form relaxed as Eve pulled her hand away with not a flinch of pain detected by the burning Arrancar. Of course she was fine! She felt silly for even doubting the Queen, though, not because of the title but because of how she carried herself. Miss Avana oozed confidence and power with every word and action. One would have to be to take on the royal title of Las Noches, right?

Cazador briefly surfaced in her memories. Oh. That could be the root of uncertainty in her subconscious. The only other ‘ruler’ she’d met was rather… over-ambitious.


Verbrennung paused for a moment, “Yes.” She said rather plainly as if it were, well, a fact, “It’s why I can’t wear clothes. Apologies.” Woosh. She did like music the most out of any art form— it didn’t burn up when she listened to it— but that was one song she’d never heard in her wanderings, thus, Verbrennung took Eve's words literally.

“A pleasure to meet you, Queen Avana.” She preceded the words with a polite inclination of her head, a cocking taking to her neck at the nickname the woman gave to the Raven.

“Nevermore...” The bird echoed in Eve’s own voice, apparently testing this nickname aloud for itself. Verbrennung squinted at the creature briefly. 'Don’t push our luck', was what came to mind from girl to familiar.

“Ahh, too forward…? No, no, it’s alright.” She had no idea what the Queen was talking about, “I’m not one for… fluids, personally. If you wish to speak more, we certainly can! I can’t promise what I carry on my shoulders is particularly interesting, however.”

You can do this, she told herself.

Eve couldn't help but laugh at Verbrennung's innocence. The joke went clear over her head, leaving the poor girl to only assume Eve was being 100% serious. Who would expect someone like her to be light hearted and full of jokes others didn't understand? Eve, unlike the many kings before her, found great pleasure in finding humanity in not only the people around her, but herself. Touching on a more human side of those around her, as if that would somehow igore the fact that they were all monsters. But wasn't there more to them than that? Surely, there had to be?

With a small gesture for Verbrenning to follow, Eve turned on her heels and began walking down the center of the throne room.

"You don't have to be so tense," Eve commented as the sounds of their footsteps echoed through the room. "I promise not to attack or demean you in any way." She offered a friendly smile, as if that would give credit to her words.

Soon enough, Eve took the young woman behind the throne and through a rather unimpressive, white door. With no decorations and just a simple doorknob, it felt decidedly out of place considering how gaudy the rest of the entire building was.

Once inside the room held up to the low expectations the door had set. A few bookshelves -- none of them completely full and all of them completely disorganized -- a single table, and a few metal chairs. It looked like a room where troublesome kids went to for detention, or perhaps an interrogation room given there was only a single light in the middle of the room.

The Queen happily sat on the far end of the table as she made a motion to one of the empty chairs for her guest to sit in. She then folded her hands over the table and peered through her mask at the other woman. There was a long, judgmental silence that hung in the room, as if the Queen was deciding whether or not Verbrennung was even worth the effort. If that was the case, it seemed she decided there was something to invest in and gave another pleasant smile.

"What have you been doing lately?" She asked suddenly. "You're quite the powerful Arrancar, so I can only wonder what sort of shenanigans you have been up to. Or is that just natural talent that lets you shine above the rest?" Her tone suggested otherwise. After all, there was no such thing as 'talent', only passion that made learning a skill seem easier.

Those two questions hung low in the air as Eve stared across the table. The light above them flickered once or twice before giving off the steady glow of light like it had before.

[464]

If her skin had been fairer in tone it’d be plain to see that Verbrennung was blushing as the Queen laughed, the Arrancar silently worried that she’d done something silly. Even as Eve motioned the young lady and her bird forward, Verbrennung couldn’t help but puzzle over what had made the Queen laugh. Was it something she said? Did she look funny? Oh boy, oh boy…

“I…” She began, or rather her hesitance began, “I’m not used to being in such formal places or situations, especially with beings much more powerful than I. Sets the old Hollow brain on edge, you could say.” It wasn’t a lie, it just wasn’t the whole truth. Las Noches was so white and pristine that the Arrancar felt quite out of place, even if it was the ‘home’ of her people, and this Eve Avana was much more powerful than her… but…

She wasn’t— or didn’t feel like— a Hollow-breed, even though she donned that mask of hers. Both bird and girl had picked up on a distinct Shinigami feeling from her leading both to share similar worries with one another, namely... Was this a trap? Had the castle been infiltrated by the Seireitei in an effort to wipe out Hollow-breeds looking to organize? Even as these thoughts buzzed around in Verbrennung’s mind, she continued to follow Eve through a rather dull-looking door behind the throne itself. Inside, the Arrancar couldn’t help but blink in surprise as the room possessed nothing but a single table, a smattering of metal chairs, and a few disorganized bookshelves; hardly an abode that screamed ‘royalty’.

Eve settled herself into a chair at one end of the table, causing Verbrennung to move herself to the opposing end to set herself down in one of the aforementioned metal chairs. As dark flesh met with metal, a resounding hiss was heard as the piece of furniture protested the intense heat rolling off the woman. Red eyes rose to meet gold while the Raven hopped up from the ground, first to its companion’s lap, and finally to her shoulder. It, too, wanted to be part of this conversation even if to only listen.

The Queen presented such a simple question, as if they were old friends. Verbrennung couldn’t help but feel a tad unsettled by such casualness mixed with flattery. Powerful? Natural talent? Shining above the rest? Her brow visibly furrowed at such comments.

“I… Have been training ever since I returned from the march upon Seireitei. I wouldn’t call myself powerful or anything like that. I have a lot of work to do, really.” A pause hung in the air after her statement, though that slight pursing of her lips was enough to signify she wanted to say something but was hesitating. With an intake of air and a reinforcement of eye contact, it seemed she wouldn’t let this question stay buried. Was she risking the wrath of the Queen? Maybe, but she wasn't about to join Las Noches with such wonderings at the forefront of her mind.

“I must ask. Why… are you here? You feel like a Shinigami despite your mask. Why would a soldier from above wish to direct the creatures of Hueco Mundo and make them strong?” The Arrancar leaned forward, hands planted on her knees as she asked.

As Verbrennung shifted uncomfortably in the chair, eyes darting back and forth before desperately trying to hold the stare of the Queen, Eve couldn't help wonder if she had ever been so... Paranoid. It seemed like every time she tried to talk to one of her underlings they shook in fear, as if she was going to lash out at any turn. Granted, as far as they were concerned she was a Shinigami, so that raised red flags, but wasn't she nice enough? She did everything she could to be approachable. Long hours rebuilding the castle and the surrounding buildings. An active effort to meet all of the people who followed her. Hell, she even went out on a limb to save them if necessary.

So why did no one trust her?

Maybe, for a brief moment, Verbrennung caught that spark of irritation lurking behind Eve's eyes. That momentary fire that was quickly snuffed out by years of emotional control and lying to herself. Maybe, if Verbrennung was particularly keen when it came to picking up on those things, she would have noticed. But the outcome didn't change.

"I'm not a Shinigami," Eve said flatly, though did her best to keep her tone as friendly as possible. "I am a Vaizard. Shinigami is a profession. Vaizard is a race. I'm ever bit Hollow as you are."

Sort of. I'm just infinitely better than you'll ever hope to be.

"I've served Las Noches for years and I continue to put my pride in Hollow-kind despite my physical changes," she continued with a smile, as if the egotistical thought never crossed her mind. "As the former Segunda and only one strong enough to defend Las Noches during its weakened state, it's my responsibility to ensure the safety and growth of my home and my people."

How many times had she said that? How many times was it met with wary stares and sarcastic scoffs? One would think that the Hollows would be desperate for someone like her to come along and save them, and yet they turned their noses up at her like she was spoiled milk.

"King Erasmus obviously set a rather nasty standard here in Las Noches that I'm working to scrub clean." Eve finally looked away, distracted by some or another behind Verbrennung. "We are a community now more than ever, not some brutes killing each other for the sake of it. Ever last man and woman is invaluable and I believe once we can finally unite and draw strength from each other, we will assert ourselves back in spiritual food chain."

Beautiful, wonderful pipe dreams. Everyone had them, didn't they? But, for Eve, the idea of an endless swarm of people at her beck and call was just too delicious not to pursue. A wealth of security and walls upon walls of meat shields to protect her from the world at large. Truly, it was everything she ever wanted and more.

The Queen returned her stare to the woman across from her and smiled gently. A motherly softness took over her features as she looked up and down the still tense form that was the girl on fire.

"Verbrennung," she said softly. "If you're uncomfortable or disagree with anything I have to say, don't be afraid to speak up. I don't bite."

Maybe that was a joke her acquaintance could appreciate.

[563]

She didn’t interrupt as Eve explained herself to her; the Arrancar having caught that brief glimpse of agitation in the Queen’s eyes. There was no need to push the Fallen One, it wouldn’t take much for her to wipe Verbrennung out and you couldn’t progress if you were dead— well, double dead in this case. There was too much left to do still. When Eve’s voice died away, Verbrennung pursed her lips thinly. A silence hung over the two for a few moments as she processed the Queen’s words and the questions they had sprung to life in her mind.

“Uncomfortable may be the best way to put it,” Another pause, “I’ve only met one other Vaizard in my life and let’s just say we aren’t on the best of terms. A being straddling the line between Heaven and Hell…” Her voice trailed off.

Neither Angel nor Demon alike can trust a Gefallener Engel.

She shot Evelynn a weak smile as the thought passed through her mind without ceremony, “I used to envy your kind, y’know? When that Vaizard put on his mask I wanted to rip it off his face and Cero him into the ground. Why should a Shinigami get to wear a full mask when fate had taken mine?” Verbrennung spoke from the heart, hoping to ease the Queen’s spark of wrath with, well, the truth. One soul to another, she thought, though she couldn't contain the lines of anger that edged around her eyes and mouth. Even now she could see Walkren's face and his mask. It made her want to lash out, tip over the table, throw her chair and burn anything in sight. Instead, however, a slight sigh punctuated by a plume of smoke left her, “I’ve moved past that-" The mask envy that is, "-but I still find myself wondering how I can trust beings that are so… in between.” Shinigami were the warriors of Heaven, Hollow were the grunts of Hell. A soul that was both, well, where did their loyalties lie? What was their divine calling?

“As for this Erasmus fellow— eh— I didn’t know him so whatever he did has no effect on my thoughts here. I don’t know any of Las Noches’ history— Hell— I’ve never even been acquainted with another Arrancar.” Verbrennung’s brow furrowed as she divulged to the Queen just how ignorant she was of her own people’s culture, “It’s always just been me and the Raven, alone together.”

Her chest burned at her own words, causing the Arrancar to hurriedly move along in what she was trying to say. No, no it wasn’t that, she didn’t feel hurt it was… She was rambling, that’s all. Get to the point and all that. Demons don’t need others except for power, they didn't feel hurt.

That slight smile cracked over her dark lips even more as if Eve’s joke had only just now reached her through the muddled mess of thoughts occupying her mind, “I suppose that’ll be the question I and most other Hollow-breeds will have to see for ourselves in time: is the Queen as like us as she says? Does she bite?” Verbrennung relaxed in her chair some, leaning back as she watched Eve, “To be fair, I don’t think any combination of words you could think of would ease our worries. Only time can do that and I want to see for myself, if you’ll have me. I can’t paint all Vaizard with the same brush as the first.”

Here in Las Noches she could learn so much, her mind was alight with the possibilities. Maybe she’d even get some clothes that don’t burn!

There it was. A little crack behind the shell of uncertainty.

Eve could understand where her new friend was coming from. It’s easier to be afraid of something than to just blindly trust it, right? It was more about actions and less about words. That’s how Las Noches had always run. Hell, that’s how most people ran.

“You’ll find the world isn’t so black and white,” Eve commented quietly, a nostalgic glimmer in her eyes for just the briefest of moments. “There are various shades of gray that aim to test both you and what you stand for. Once you start realizing that, you’ll be more confident. I promise you that.”

She let the words hang in the air for a long moment before she relaxed and smiled all the more at Verbrennung.

“But you’re right, I could talk to you until the cows came home and it wouldn’t do much of anything. So,” she paused for dramatic effect, “let me offer you this: Be my Espada. Join the ranks of Las Noches and be one of the most intimate people in the ins and outs of how this works. From there, you can judge me and find out if I’m worthy or not.”

Eve folded her hands over the table, her bright stare never faltering in the face of Verbrennung’s shock and fear. It was to be expected – who wouldn’t freak out after getting offered a position like that? It was so far from left field, the poor girl probably got whacked across the head while blinded by the sun.

“You can leave whenever you want,” Eve clarified. “You’re not signing some contract with blood or giving away any of your freedoms. I just want to give you the chance to prove myself to you and all of the other Arrancar.”

Her hands unfolded and she reached across the table, palm out towards the girl.

“What do you say?”

[320]